Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is a fun and flavorful dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta. It is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Boneless and skinless)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 12 oz Penne Pasta
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley

Directions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. In a pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente; drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter, add heavy cream, and stir; bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss until coated.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne

Serve Crack Chicken Penne warm on plates. You can garnish it with extra parsley or some grated cheese for more flavor. This dish goes well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Crack Chicken Penne

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Crack Chicken Penne

• Make sure to not overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• If you want more flavor, let the spices marinate on the chicken for a bit before cooking.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.

Variation

You can swap out the penne pasta for any pasta shape you prefer. Adding different types of cheese, like mozzarella or chedder, can also give the dish a new twist. Additionally, use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Crack Chicken Penne keeps well and is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Crack Chicken Penne

This creamy and flavorful Crack Chicken Penne combines tender pasta with a rich sauce made from shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and a blend of cheeses, creating a comforting and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 packet (1 ounce) Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or pot, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
3. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, cooked and crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined and bubbly.
4. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sliced green onions.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish can be made ahead and reheated; simply add a splash of milk or broth if it becomes too thick.