When I say this crack chicken penne is a lifesaver, I mean it. Some nights, I just want to toss everything into one pot, forget it for a bit, and come back to something that smells like comfort and tastes even better. That’s what this dish is for me. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, and has just enough smoky bacon to keep you coming back for ‘just one more bite.’ We’ve all had those days. Maybe the kids were on a tear, your inbox hit triple digits, or you just plain don’t feel like cooking. That’s the kind of day when this penne comes in swinging like a hero. It checks all the boxes for simple healthy chicken recipes without tasting like you compromised flavor for ease. If you’re someone who collects chicken food recipes like Pokémon cards, add this to your top-tier deck. It’s one of those chicken recipes dinner regulars in my house. Simple recipes like this don’t ask much of you, and healthy chicken recipes that taste this indulgent? Yeah, they’re rare. But hey, now you’ve got one.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
- 4) How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
- 5) Tips for Making Crack Chicken Penne
- 6) Making Crack Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Crack Chicken Penne
- 8) Try these Dinner recipes next!
- 9) Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This creamy crack chicken penne hits all the right comfort food notes.
- It’s quick, rich, and made with pantry staples and one pot.
- A great addition to your list of simple chicken recipes for busy nights.
- Bacon, cheddar, and chicken make this a guaranteed crowd favorite.
2) Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Let’s be honest. At the end of a long day, the last thing I want is a complicated recipe with 17 steps and 12 ingredients I can’t pronounce. That’s where this dish saves the day. This simple chicken recipe feels like a warm hug after a marathon Tuesday.
It’s all cooked in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more couch time. The combination of tender penne, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and juicy chicken makes each bite creamy, savory, and just plain good. Honestly, I’ve made this so often I don’t even need to check the recipe anymore.
If you love simple healthy chicken recipes but still want flavor that punches you in the taste buds, you’re gonna want this in your back pocket. The magic lies in how it brings cozy and easy together without sacrificing comfort. Eleanor Cooks is all about that balance, and this one nails it.
3) Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
Penne Pasta brings the perfect chew and holds onto the sauce like a pro. I like using penne, but rotini or rigatoni works too.
Olive Oil gives the chicken a golden start and helps the garlic do its thing. Just a couple tablespoons do the trick.
Garlic adds a warm, rich base flavor. Two cloves, minced, are plenty to wake up the pan.
Chicken Breast keeps it lean and hearty. I dice it small so it cooks fast and stays juicy.
Smoked Paprika deepens the flavor with a gentle smoky kick. Just a teaspoon is all it needs.
Salt and Black Pepper make everything taste like more of itself. Season to taste, always.
Onion Powder blends in and boosts the overall savory vibe. Half a teaspoon, no need to overdo it.
Cream Cheese turns the sauce luscious. Use a block at room temp so it melts smoothly.
Chicken Broth thins the sauce just enough without watering it down. A cup does the job.
Heavy Cream adds that dreamy richness. No regrets here. One cup, poured slow and steady.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese pulls it all together. I like sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor. About a cup and a half.
Cooked Bacon gives this dish its signature crave-worthiness. I crumble in six strips, but you won’t hear complaints if you double that.
Fresh Parsley adds color and a fresh finish. Totally optional, but worth it if you’ve got some on hand.
Crack Chicken Penne – Simple Chicken Recipes for Weeknight Bliss
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken breast and season with paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let everything melt together into a smooth sauce.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything’s coated in that luscious sauce.
- Crumble in the cooked bacon and give it one last mix.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if you’re feeling a little fancy.
Leave a Comment