Description
This Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a rich, addictive one-pot meal featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken, and ranch-seasoned cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 6 slices beef
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1.25 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cut beef into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy (8-10 mins). Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tbsp of fat in the pot.
- Sear Chicken: Return pot to heat and add chicken chunks. Cook 3-4 mins until mostly cooked. Stir in ranch seasoning and garlic powder to coat evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Add penne and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add the cooked bacon and 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and cohesive.
- Final Melt: Top with the remaining 0.5 cups of cheese. Either cover for 30 seconds on low heat to melt, or broil for 4-5 mins until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- One-pot method: The pasta cooks directly in the broth, which creates a starchier, creamier sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American