Crack Chicken Penne

why make this recipe

Crack Chicken Penne offers a delightful combination of flavors that will please everyone at the dinner table. This comforting dish is rich, creamy, and has a hint of tanginess from the ranch seasoning. The star of the show, shredded chicken, pairs seamlessly with pasta, making it a filling meal. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that it can be whipped up on busy weeknights without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s family-friendly, and even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!

how to make Crack Chicken Penne

Creating Crack Chicken Penne at home is straightforward and requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

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Directions

1. Prepare the skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. It’s essential to ensure the skillet is hot so that the ingredients can combine smoothly.

2. Combine the main ingredients: In the skillet, combine the shredded cooked chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth. As the skillet heats up, stir the mixture continuously. This step helps the cream cheese melt and meld with the chicken and broth, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

3. Add the penne: Once your creamy sauce is ready, gently add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Use a spatula to carefully mix the pasta with the sauce so that every piece gets coated evenly.

4. Incorporate the cheddar: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor to the dish. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture feels cohesive.

5. Season the dish: Taste the creamy penne mixture and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. This step allows you to adjust the flavors based on your preference.

6. Heat through: Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is warmed thoroughly.

7. Serve with garnish: Once everything is hot, transfer the Crack Chicken Penne to serving plates. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.

how to serve Crack Chicken Penne

Crack Chicken Penne is best served hot. You can present it in large family-style bowls for a cozy gathering or portion it out onto individual plates for a more formal setting. Accompany the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. A crusty piece of bread would also make a delightful addition to scoop up any leftover creamy sauce.

If you’re hosting friends or family, consider serving it with refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemon-lime soda, or even a light wine for adults. This dish also works well for meal prepping and can be packed into containers for easy lunch options during the week.

how to store Crack Chicken Penne

To store any leftover Crack Chicken Penne, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk while reheating to retain the creamy texture of the sauce.

If you find yourself with a significant amount of leftovers, consider freezing the dish. Place the cooled penne in a freezer-safe container and it will keep well for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

tips to make Crack Chicken Penne

1. Cooking the pasta: When cooking the penne pasta, be sure to follow the package instructions for the best texture. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot ingredients in the skillet.

2. Chicken options: You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time, or you can grill or bake your chicken beforehand. Just make sure it is shredded, as this will help it blend into the sauce nicely.

3. Adjusting the creaminess: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a bit more cream cheese or cheese according to your taste. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can reduce the cream cheese and use low-fat versions.

4. Seasoning variation: Experiment with different seasonings! If ranch isn’t your favorite, consider using Italian seasoning or Cajun spices for a different flavor profile.

5. Vegetable boost: Add in some cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase the nutritional value of the dish and give it a colorful look.

variation

While Crack Chicken Penne is delicious as is, it’s fun to try different variations. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the base. You could also substitute the penne pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options to cater to dietary needs. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cheese; pepper jack can give it a nice kick, while goat cheese would provide a unique tang.

For those who enjoy experimenting with different proteins, consider using turkey or even cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. Each variation will provide a new twist while still keeping the essence of Crack Chicken Penne intact.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use uncooked pasta in this recipe?
It’s recommended to use cooked pasta for this dish. However, if you prefer to use uncooked pasta, you’ll need to adjust the amount of chicken broth and cooking time accordingly to fully cook the pasta in the skillet.

Q3: Is Crack Chicken Penne suitable for freezing?
Yes! This dish can be frozen. Just ensure it is cooled first, and store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Q5: How can I make Crack Chicken Penne spicier?
To spice things up, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra punch!

With these tips, variations, and FAQs in mind, you can create a deliciously creamy, flavorful Crack Chicken Penne that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.

Crack Chicken Penne

Print Recipe

A rich and creamy pasta dish combining shredded chicken and ranch seasoning for a comforting family meal.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Combine the main ingredients: In the skillet, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
3. Add the penne: Once the sauce is ready, gently add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet.
4. Incorporate the cheddar: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
5. Season the dish: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Heat through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed thoroughly.
7. Serve with garnish: Transfer to plates and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For added freshness, consider serving with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, creamy, quick, family-friendly