Preparing the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly before slicing or shredding.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet used for the chicken, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour (if using) to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Chicken: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce, mixing well to coat with the cheesy sauce.
Assembling the Dish
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Add Bacon: Stir in the crispy bacon pieces.
Serving
- Garnish: Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Options: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation or substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the flour to create a slurry. If you don’t want to use flour, simply simmer the sauce a bit longer until it thickens to your liking.
- Cheese: For a more robust cheese flavor, consider adding a mix of cheddar or provolone cheese.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese, bacon, and chicken into one delicious meal. With its easy preparation and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This recipe offers a detailed approach to making a creamy, flavorful Crack Chicken Penne that’s both indulgent and satisfying.