About
This crave-worthy chicken dinner is something else, that is for sure! Complete with crumbled bacon and melted cheese, Easy Crack Chicken Pasta features bite-sized pieces of savory chicken mingling and mixing with tender pasta in a creamy, tangy cheese sauce! Zesty ranch seasoning makes this cheese and chicken masterpiece even more compelling! Easy Crack Chicken Pasta will have you coming back for more because it's impossible to resist!
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- parmesan cheese, optional, to taste, shaved, for garnish
- fresh parsley, optional, to taste, torn, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -In a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet set over medium heat, add the bacon strips and cook, flipping once, until crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 2 -Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 3 -Add the chicken pieces to the same pan with the bacon drippings over medium heat and cook, while stirring occasionally, until the pieces begin to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 -Add the ranch seasoning to the chicken pieces and stir to coat.
Step 5 -Add the pasta and the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Step 6 -Bring the pasta mixture to a boil.
Step 7 -Reduce the heat to low.
Step 8 -Cover the pan and cook, while stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just past al dente, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 9 -Add the cream cheese and cook, while stirring, until it has melted and becomes a creamy sauce.
Step 10 -Crumble the cooked bacon strips.
Step 11 -Add the bacon crumbles, the cheddar, and the mozzarella to the pan and stir until well-combined and the cheeses have melted, about 1-2 minutes
Step 12 -Serve garnished with the shaved parmesan and the parsley.
