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Easy Crack Chicken Pasta

Creamy Easy Crack Chicken Pasta for Ultimate Comfort Nights

This Easy Crack Chicken Pasta is a heartwarming one-pot dish that combines chicken, bacon, and pasta in a creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast/Thighs Rotisserie chicken works great too.
  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon Crumble for added smokiness.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Consider rotini or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Substitute with low-fat or plant-based versions if desired.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Use freshly shredded for best melt.
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Homemade mix can be made using herbs and spices.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter choice.
  • 1 cup Milk or Heavy Cream Low-fat milk can be used for a lighter alternative.
For Cooking
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil Cooking spray can be a lower-fat method.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley Optional; cilantro or green onions can be used for a twist.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged. Cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes until tender.
  3. Lower heat and add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
  4. Return cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Fold gently into the creamy pasta mixture and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. Transfer pasta to serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with different proteins or vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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