Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking

Don't overcook the chicken to keep it tender

Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce

Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed

Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting

Stir cheese into sauce off the heat to prevent breaking

Cook bacon until crispy for best texture contrast

Season in layers for best flavor development

Serve immediately while hot and creamy

Crack Chicken Penne

Name: Crack Chicken Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken and Pasta:; 1 pound penne pasta; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; For the Creamy Sauce:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; For Finishing:; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup additional cheddar cheese for topping; Cooked bacon bits for garnish; Black pepper to taste; Optional Add-ins:; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup corn kernels; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

This incredibly addictive and comforting pasta dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that's loaded with ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. The name 'crack chicken' comes from its irresistibly delicious and addictive nature - once you try it, you'll crave it again and again. The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar creates an ultra-creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy elements, while the chicken provides substantial protein to make this a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you're feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual dinner party, or looking for the ultimate comfort food, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken and Pasta:

1 pound penne pasta

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

For Finishing:

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup additional cheddar cheese for topping

Cooked bacon bits for garnish

Black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup frozen peas

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup corn kernels

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

1/4 cup cream cheese (extra for richer sauce)

1 tablespoon hot sauce

For Garnish:

Fresh chives, chopped

Extra bacon crumbles

Shredded cheese

Fresh parsley

Crushed red pepper flakes

Ranch dressing drizzle

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Season and cook chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add to the bacon fat and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the sauce base: Add softened cream cheese to the pan and stir until melted and smooth. Whisk in ranch packet until well combined.

Add liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add cheese: Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.

Combine everything: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half the bacon back to the pan. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add any optional ingredients like peas or bell peppers.

Serve and garnish: Serve immediately topped with remaining bacon, green onions, parsley, extra cheese, and any desired garnishes.

Crack Chicken Penne

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Crack Chicken Penne

Ingredients

Instructions