Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that has become a staple in my household – the irresistible Crack Chicken Penne. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to weeknight recipes!

Why You’ll Love This

I make this when I need a meal that is both comforting and flavorful. My family goes crazy for this because it combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Plus, the added touch of crispy bacon on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. (Just a heads up, you might want to double the recipe because it’s that good!)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Optional: You can also add some diced tomatoes or chopped spinach for extra color and flavor.

Directions

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and dried parsley. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.

6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined.

7. Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, topped with the crumbled bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

I’ve found that using boneless, skinless chicken breasts gives the best results for this recipe. However, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even bacon bits instead of cooking the bacon from scratch.

This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. Just be warned, it might disappear quickly!

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors, and here are a few variations I’ve tried:

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Italian Twist: Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top before serving and broil until bubbly and golden.

Feel free to get creative and try your own combinations!

Storage

This Crack Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although, I have to admit that in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this dish with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. The garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, and the fresh salad balances out the richness of the dish. It’s a winning combination!

Pro Tips

Don’t rush the browning of the chicken breasts. It’s important to get a nice golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

If you want to add some extra flavor to the sauce, you can sauté some mushrooms along with the onions and garlic.

Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference. If you’re a cheese lover like me, you can never have too much!

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While penne works great in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just fine.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything together.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: I haven’t personally tried freezing this dish, as it tends to disappear quickly. However, you can give it a try. Just keep in mind that the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing.

Alright, that’s all you need to know to create your own irresistible Crack Chicken Penne. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite of this creamy and flavorful dish. Happy cooking!