Description
Hearty chicken penne delivers a symphony of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Home cooks can quickly craft this comforting pasta dish with simple ingredients and bold seasonings for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Garnish:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Reduce the skillet’s temperature to low, introducing softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk diligently until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Slowly stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, continuously stirring to create a velvety, harmonious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Fold tender shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, incorporating half of the crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.
- Gently introduce the cooked penne into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each pasta tube is lavishly enrobed in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Transfer the decadent pasta to serving dishes, adorning with remaining bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites.
- Bacon Bonus: Crisp bacon separately for maximum crunchiness, preventing soggy texture when added to the final dish.
- Creamy Consistency: Temper cream cheese at room temperature before cooking to ensure smoother sauce without lumps.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg