Crack Chicken Penne is a delicious and comforting dish that combines pasta and chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With rich flavors from ranch seasoning and cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!
How to Make Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken mixture and cook until heated through and creamy.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt.
- Serve topped with green onions.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne
Serve Crack Chicken Penne warm as a main dish. You can add a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with extra green onions for added flavor.
How to Store Crack Chicken Penne
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm on the stove until heated through. You may want to add a bit more chicken broth if it seems dry after being refrigerated.
Tips to Make Crack Chicken Penne
- Make sure to use cooked and shredded chicken; rotisserie chicken works great!
- For extra flavor, add some minced garlic or your favorite vegetables to the skillet while cooking.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Variation
You can try using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist on the flavor. For a healthier version, use whole wheat penne pasta and add in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding.
Is there a vegetarian version of Crack Chicken Penne?
You can replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and pasta ahead of time, then combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped green onions if desired.