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Crack Chicken Penne

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Chicken & Bacon
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Creamy Sauce
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet or 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup milk or chicken broth
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional Garnish
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra bacon crumbles

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and dice or shred.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and milk (or broth) until smooth.
  5. Add cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning. Stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  7. Add cooked pasta and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnishes.