CREAMY CRAC CHICKEN PENNE ULTIMATE

I’ll always remember the first time my friend Sarah brought a potluck dish to our annual summer BBQ that completely stole the show – everyone was raving about this creamy, cheesy, chicken-y pasta sensation. It turned out to be her take on Creamy Crac Chicken Penne, and it was an instant hit with the whole crew. Get ready, because I’m about to guide you through making a version that will have everyone begging for the recipe, guaranteed!

What is Creamy Crac Chicken Penne?

Okay, let’s break it down. Creamy Crac Chicken Penne is basically the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s tender chicken, often cooked with bacon (or sometimes without, if you’re watching your bacon intake!), tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce, and combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The “crac” element usually comes from a generous dose of cheese and other flavorings that make it absolutely addictive. Think of it as a next-level Chicken Casserole Recipe, but in pasta form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients and adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This creamy, cheesy pasta is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll also suggest substitutions if you’re missing anything.

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound. Penne is classic, but rotini or farfalle will also work beautifully.
• Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
• Bacon: 6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled. Because, bacon! You can substitute with turkey bacon or omit entirely for a lighter version.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This is what gives the sauce its creamy richness.
• Ranch Dressing: 1 cup. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. You can use any cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
• Green Onions: 1/4 cup, chopped. For a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Because everything is better with garlic!
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step, so you can’t possibly mess it up. (But if you do, don’t worry, we’ll troubleshoot together!)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente means “to the tooth,” so it should still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when you add it to the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

There are a few ways to cook the chicken for this recipe, and I’ll give you my favorite methods:

1. Pan-Seared: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Baked: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or dice it.
3. Rotisserie Chicken: This is the ultimate time-saver! Simply shred or dice a rotisserie chicken and you’re good to go.

Troubleshooting: If your chicken is dry, try marinating it in a little buttermilk or yogurt before cooking. This will help to tenderize it and keep it moist.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Pro Tip: Don’t throw away the bacon grease! You can use it to add extra flavor to the chicken or the sauce. Just be sure to strain it first.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (or a clean skillet if you prefer), reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to thicken.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Crac Chicken Penne

• Don’t overcook the pasta: As I mentioned earlier, al dente pasta is key to preventing a mushy dish.
• Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Opt for high-quality bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as needed.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the pasta, chicken, and bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine everything in the skillet and heat through.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Add Some Heat: A little cayenne pepper will wake up the flavors in a good way.
• Try Different Protein: Use shredded turkey instead of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Crac Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover Creamy Crac Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Creamy Crac Chicken Penne, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Try a similar dish with even more flavor in the Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• For a quicker, spicy variation try Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet.
• For a cheesy bake, try this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake.
• If you’re looking for a smoky kick, give this Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta a try!
• For a slow-cooker sensation similar to the Marry Me Chicken, check out the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

Creamy Crac Chicken Penne Recipe

Here’s the full recipe, all in one place!

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken using your preferred method (pan-seared, baked, or rotisserie). Shred or dice the chicken.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet, melt the cream cheese and ranch dressing over low heat. Stir until smooth.
5. Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Creamy Crac Chicken Penne recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Creamy Crac Chicken Penne Ultimate

This Creamy Crac Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food mashup, featuring tender chicken and crispy bacon tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6-8 slices bacon
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for pan-searing chicken
• Milk or chicken broth optional, to thin sauce

Equipment

• large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• cutting board
• knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• colander
• Baking sheet (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Method

 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken using your preferred method (pan-seared, baked, or using rotisserie chicken). Shred or dice the chicken.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet, melt the cream cheese and ranch dressing over low heat. Stir until smooth.
5. Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta. Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can prepare the pasta, chicken, and bacon ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed. Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas. Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.