Ranch and Bacon Chicken with Penne Pasta Recipe

Why make this recipe? Culinary producer Natalie Gravois filmed a video for this recipe and called it "Hot Mess Chicken" because its perfect for those nights when you need a comforting meal but everything feels like a hot mess! With just 15 minutes of prep time, your slow cooker takes care of the rest. Allrecipes Allstar Ramona Cruz-Peters raves: "I made this exactly as written, and it turned out great! Lots of chicken, very hearty. I LOVE the flavor of the sauce."

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• teaspoon dried thyme
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch)
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 ounce) package bacon
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or more to taste

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Season with kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Pour the chicken broth in and around the chicken.
2. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and return it to the broth in the slow cooker.
4. Add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir until it dissolves into the broth.
5. Stir in the dry ranch dressing mix until well combined.
6. Add the penne pasta and milk to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on High for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb the flavors.
7. While the pasta is cooking, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it is evenly browned and crispy (about 10 minutes). Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat.
8. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbling the cooked bacon over the top. Stir to combine.
9. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 658
• Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (75% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 158mg (53% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2240mg (97% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 47g (17% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 51g (103% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 297mg (23% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (19% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 542mg (12% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available nutrient data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.