Are you ready to dive into a creamy, cheesy dish that packs a punch? I'm excited to share my favorite recipe for Crack Chicken Penne! This comforting pasta dish features tender chicken, a rich cream cheese sauce, and loads of flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. In this blog post, I'll guide you step-by-step through the process, so you'll impress everyone at the table with this delightful treat! Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and ranch dressing creates a rich and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Versatile Ingredients: Utilizing cooked chicken and pantry staples means you can whip this up without a last-minute grocery run.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Crack Chicken Penne, you need a few key ingredients. First, penne pasta is the heart of this dish. It holds the creamy sauce well. Next, use cooked chicken, shredded for easy mixing. Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. Ranch dressing gives a tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and enhances taste. Lastly, chicken broth ties everything together, making it saucy and smooth.
Seasoning and Garnishing
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (optional for garnish, omit for a pure crack flavor)
Seasoning is essential for great taste. Garlic powder and onion powder boost flavor without overpowering. Black pepper adds a touch of heat. For garnish, sliced green onions bring freshness. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle bacon bits on top. They add a savory touch that many love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Penne Pasta
First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring this water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it cooks, drain the pasta in a colander. Set the pasta aside while you make the sauce.
Preparing the Creamy Chicken Mixture
Grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Next, add 1 package of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Then, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper into the mix. Stir everything well. As the cream cheese melts, it will blend with the other ingredients, creating a rich sauce. Let this mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir gently until hot and well combined.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Now, it’s time to mix in the penne. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy chicken mixture until it is fully coated. Next, fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta becomes extra creamy. Once done, take it off the heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Texture
To ensure a smooth sauce, always start with softened cream cheese. This helps it blend easily. Cook the sauce on medium heat. Stir gently while it heats. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. This keeps it creamy.
Aim for a cooking time of 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld well. Be careful not to overcook the mixture. You want it hot, but not boiling.
Serving Suggestions
For ideal presentation, serve Crack Chicken Penne in a large bowl. You can also use individual plates. Top with sliced green onions and extra cheddar cheese. This makes the dish look vibrant and fresh.
Recommended side dishes include a light salad or garlic bread. The salad adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread offers a nice, buttery touch that pairs well.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need alternatives for cream cheese, try Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creaminess with less fat. Another option is cottage cheese, blended until smooth.
For dairy-free options, use non-dairy cream cheese. Almond or cashew-based options work well. You can also use coconut milk for a different flavor. This helps keep the dish creamy without dairy.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves you the hassle of cooking and shredding the chicken yourself.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist in your Crack Chicken Penne.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Variations
Spicy Crack Chicken Penne
To add a kick, you can include hot sauce or diced jalapeños. This gives your dish a bold flavor. You will taste the heat in every bite. The creamy sauce balances the spice, making it tasty and exciting. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Vegetable-Loaded Version
For a veggie boost, mix in fresh spinach or bell peppers. This makes your dish healthier and adds vibrant colors. You may need to cook the veggies for a few extra minutes. Start by adding them to the skillet before the chicken mixture. This way, they soften up nicely while keeping their crunch.
Low-Carb Adaptation
If you're watching carbs, try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Spiralize the zucchini into noodle shapes for a fun twist. Cook them briefly to keep their texture. You may want to reduce the amount of chicken broth, as zucchini releases water. This keeps your dish flavorful and creamy without being watery.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Crack Chicken Penne fresh, place it in the fridge. Store leftovers in airtight containers. This prevents drying out and keeps flavors intact. Use shallow containers to cool the dish faster. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This keeps bacteria at bay.
Reheating Guidelines
When reheating, aim to keep the creamy texture intact. The best way to reheat is on the stove. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps warm your dish evenly. You can also use the microwave, but do so in short bursts. Stir between intervals to avoid hot spots.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze Crack Chicken Penne! To freeze, use airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. For best results, freeze it within two days of cooking. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to restore its creamy goodness.
FAQs
What is Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with shredded chicken. It gained fame on social media and is loved for its ease and taste. The name comes from its addictive flavor, making it hard to stop eating. This dish combines ranch dressing, cream cheese, and cheese to create a rich sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks.
Can I make Crack Chicken Penne in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Crack Chicken Penne in advance. To do this, cook the penne and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and combine it with the pasta. This method keeps everything fresh and tasty.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Crack Chicken Penne is great for meal prep. Divide the dish into portions and store in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal when you're busy. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I adjust the serving size?
Yes, you can scale the recipe for larger or smaller servings. Just multiply or divide the ingredients based on how many people you are serving. If you want to serve two, use half the ingredients. For eight servings, double everything. This makes it easy to fit any gathering or meal plan.
In this blog post, we explored how to make Crack Chicken Penne. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You learned ways to add a twist or adapt the recipe for different diets. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving this comfort dish. It’s perfect for family meals or meal prep. With the right storage and reheating methods, your leftovers will taste just as good. Dive into this tasty dish, and make it your ow
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 0.25 cup crispy bacon bits (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the cream cheese starts to melt and combine fully with the other ingredients, creating a creamy sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, gently stirring until everything is heated through and well-blended.
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the pasta is creamy.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute before serving.
- Plate the Crack Chicken Penne and garnish with sliced green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired.
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