Print

Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne Recipe You Have to Try

Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne Recipe You Have to Try - Featured Image
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to make delicious Crack Chicken Penne. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces penne pasta (you can substitute with rigatoni or ziti)
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth; optional but recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it begins to melt.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to blend it with the cream cheese and chicken mixture.
  7. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine all the flavors.
  9. Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, folding gently to coat every piece with that luscious sauce.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes so the pasta can soak up the sauce a bit more.
  11. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/crack-chicken-penne/