Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a meal that combines creamy, savory goodness with a little indulgence, look no further than Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne. This dish is everything you crave in a comforting pasta meal—loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheeses, and a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s called “crack” chicken for a reason—it’s just that addicting! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone in need of a quick, satisfying meal.

With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, this creamy penne pasta dish will quickly become a household favorite. The richness of the heavy cream and mozzarella pairs beautifully with the salty bacon and the hint of garlic. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you craving more long after the last bite, yet it’s so simple to make that you’ll want to prepare it again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick dinner for two, this Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne fits the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 30 minutes of total time, this recipe is perfect for a last-minute dinner that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

3. Packed with Protein

Shredded chicken and crispy bacon make this dish not only delicious but also satisfying and packed with protein.

4. Kid-Friendly

The creamy texture and familiar flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making this a great family meal.

5. Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe by adding vegetables or switching up the type of pasta to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Variations

1. Add Vegetables

Add in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

2. Use Different Pasta Shapes

While penne works wonderfully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fettuccine, or farfalle.

3. Make it Spicy

For a little kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

4. Swap the Chicken

If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken or even shredded turkey in place of the shredded chicken for a different twist.

5. Use Bacon Alternatives

For a healthier version, you can swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 3: Toss in the Pasta

Once the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne hot, garnished with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shred the Chicken: For best results, use cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great too).
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Watch the Heat: When adding the cream, keep the heat on medium to avoid curdling or burning the sauce.
• Save Some Bacon for Topping: If you love bacon, save a little bit of the crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top of the pasta for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use a Large Skillet: Ensure you’re using a large enough skillet to toss the pasta and sauce together without making a mess.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. For an extra burst of flavor, top with more freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing

While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is creamy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works, but penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold the creamy sauce well.

2. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Cook the sauce on medium heat and avoid bringing it to a boil once you’ve added the cream.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

You can use any melty cheese, like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses.

6. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

7. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative to regular bacon.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month and reheat them later.

9. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and substitute with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Decadent Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting, and utterly indulgent dish that’s sure to please any crowd. With its combination of creamy cheeses, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any home cook to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

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