Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. You know that sound right? It6s like the cooker is saying it6s ready to work, and you can6t help but get excited about the dinner headed your way. You probably sense this is gonna be one of those cozy, turn-up-the-comfort-level kinda meals.

When you toss the ingredients inside, the sealing ring snug, and dial that timer, you kinda forget the fuss. Just waitin for that pressure to build, the steam cues telling ya it6s cooking perfectly. You get that satisfying hiss and then you know it6s time to use the quick release and peek inside.

This crack chicken pasta combines all the best things about creamy chicken dinners and pasta in a way that6s just downright satisfying. There6s the tender pull of chicken bites, that creamy ranch flavor, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon crumbles mixing together real nice. You remember how dinner feels like a warm hug after long day? Y6all gonna love it.

Why Your Cooker Beats Every Other Pot

• It locks in all the flavor and moisture with the tight sealing ring so nothing escapes.
• The pressure means the chicken gets that tender pull texture way faster than stove cooking.
• You get melty cheese and creamy sauce without standing over the stove stirring the whole time.
• Quick release lets you stop the cooking right when it6s perfect, no overcooking worries.
• One pot means less cleanup and that6s always a win.
• Pressure cooking preserves more nutrients and the natural juices in your ingredients.
• Steam cues are like having a little kitchen assistant telling you when the job6s done.

All the Pieces for This Meal

• 4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled for that salty kick.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix packet to bring that classic tang and spice.
• 8 ounces dry penne pasta, the perfect shape for holding onto sauce.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, the base for flavorful cooking liquid.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temp to melt in smooth and creamy.
• 1 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle in and melt until gooey.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for that stretchy yum factor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, just a bit for topping and extra cheesy punch.
• Fresh parsley, chopped to garnish and add a little green pop of freshness.

These ingredients come together in the most comforting way. The ranch seasoning kinda ties it all with a little flavor punch, while the triple cheese team makes everything rich and creamy. The chicken breast stays juicy thanks to the quick pressure cooker method, and the bacon bits give you that crunch surprise you didn6t know you needed.

The Exact Process From Start to Finish

1. First, you wanna cook the bacon in your skillet or the sauté setting of your cooker. Get it crisp, then put it on a paper towel to drain, but keep that bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add your chicken pieces to that bacon fat and cook 6em for about 2-3 minutes until they start to brown but aren6t done yet.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and give it a good stir so every piece gets coated nicely.
4. Add the dry penne pasta right on top and pour in the chicken broth. Stir it gently to combine everything and make sure the pasta6s covered.
5. Seal your cooker tight with the lid and sealing ring. Set it to pressure cook for 5 minutes. When the cook time6s up, you gotta do a quick release to stop the cooking fast and keep that pasta from getting mushy.
6. Open the lid carefully, then stir in the cream cheese until it melts smooth and creamy.
7. Throw in half the bacon crumbles, the cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until all that cheese melts and gets all gooey and amazing. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top and pop the lid back on for a minute so it can melt down nice and even.

And hey, just remember not to overcook the chicken in step two. It6s gonna finish cooking with the pasta so ya don6t want it dry or tough. This method keeps everything tender and bursting with flavor.

Smart Shortcuts for Busy Days

• Cook the bacon earlier in the week and keep it in the fridge ready to crumble when you need it.
• Use pre-cut chicken breast chunks from the store to save chopping time.
• Grab a packet of ranch seasoning from your pantry so you6re never caught without it.
• If you6re really pressed for time, use the quick release right after pressure cooking to get to dinner faster.

These little hacks can make cooking crack chicken pasta feel more doable on hectic days. Plus, using the pressure cooker cuts your overall prep and cook time big, so it6s already a kitchen helper. Keep these tricks in your back pocket and dinner6s ready before you know it.

When You Finally Get to Eat

The first bite hits warm and creamy with that cheesy ranch flavor spreading out on your tongue. You notice the tender chicken bits blending perfectly with the perfectly cooked pasta.

Despite the creamy sauce, the crispy bacon crumbles add a salty crispy crunch you weren6t expecting but totally craving now. That melty mix of mozzarella and cheddar holds everything together in a comforting bite.

You feel the little pop of fresh parsley on top like a final wink to remind your taste buds there6s more than just richness happening here. It6s cozy, filling, and hits just right.

Smart Storage That Actually Works

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
• If you wanna freeze some, portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers and it6ll hold well for about 2 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on stove-top with a splash of chicken broth so the pasta doesn6t dry out.
• For quick grab-and-go lunches, pack it in small individual containers so you can grab a portion and go.

Make sure you cool leftovers before putting in the fridge or freezer to keep that creamy texture. And when reheating, keep an eye on it so you don6t overcook or dry it out. The pasta gets that tender pull every time with a little care.

Everything Else You Wondered About

• Can I use a different pasta? Yeah! Penne works great but you can sub in rotini, fusilli, or even shells. Just remember to adjust cook time a little if you swap.
• What if I want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapenos when you add the cheese.
• Can I use chicken thighs? Sure thing! Just cut them into bite-size pieces too and check tenderness sooner, they might cook a bit faster.
• What does quick release really mean here? It means you open the cooker right after pressure cooking instead of waiting for slow release, which keeps things from getting mushy.
• Is the sealing ring important? Extremely! It holds in pressure tight, so always check yours is clean and in good shape before you start cooking.
• Can I make this ahead and reheat? Totally. It reheats well but keep an eye so you don6t dry it out. A little extra broth or cheese can help freshen up leftovers.

Crack Chicken Pasta in Your Pressure Cooker

This cheesy crack chicken pasta made right in your pressure cooker delivers ultimate comfort with tender chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese all stirred into perfectly cooked penne pasta.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 people

Calories 505 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Pressure cooker

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 strips Bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ounce Ranch seasoning mix 1 packet
• 8 ounces Dry penne pasta
• 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces Cream cheese room temperature
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Cook the bacon in a skillet or on the sauté setting of your pressure cooker until crispy. Drain on a paper towel but leave the fat in the pot.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bacon fat and cook for 2-3 minutes until beginning to brown. Do not fully cook.
• Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
• Add the penne pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to cover the pasta. Seal and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
• Perform a quick release. Carefully open the lid and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
• Add half the bacon crumbles, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheddar over top and cover for 1 minute to melt.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

You can use rotini, fusilli, or shells instead of penne, but check doneness early. To spice it up, add cayenne or jalapeños with the cheese. Thighs can sub for chicken breasts. Leftovers reheat well, just add a splash of broth.