Description
Crack Chicken Penne One Pot Pasta is a creamy, cheesy one pot chicken pasta made with tender penne, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar for an easy comfort food dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
8 slices bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
2. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot. Add the olive oil if needed, then add the diced chicken. Season with salt and black pepper and cook until lightly golden and nearly cooked through.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and ranch seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir in the penne pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover loosely, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted into the sauce.
7. Add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then top with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce without leaving lumps.
Stir the pasta every few minutes while it simmers so it cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom.
Add a small splash of milk when reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg