Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne: A Creamy Delight

Crack Chicken Penne is a dish that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This delightful combination creates a flavor explosion that can turn any mundane weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.

Speaking of celebrations, I remember the first time I made Crack Chicken Penne. It was a chaotic Friday night, and my friends were coming over for game night. My kitchen was a battlefield of pots and pans, but as the aroma filled the air, everyone gathered around, their eyes wide with anticipation. Little did they know, this dish would become our go-to comfort food for years to come.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for a hearty serving; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Penne Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or regular penne; cook it al dente for the best texture in your dish.

• Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds that luxurious creaminess; let it soften for easier mixing.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheddar for better melting and flavor; who can resist that gooey goodness?

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Use a packet or homemade mix; it brings a zesty kick that enhances all flavors beautifully.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control the saltiness; it adds depth without overwhelming other flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only garnishes but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It sets the stage for cooking magic!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it. Once done, shred them using two forks or just go wild with your hands!

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add penne pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—remember, we want that perfect bite!

Step 4: Make It Creamy

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your penne (don’t forget to save some pasta water) and fold it gently into your creamy chicken mixture. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delectable Crack Chicken Penne! Whether you’re feeding friends after a long day or just treating yourself to something special on a cozy night in, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. So grab your fork and dig in—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, sear the chicken until it’s golden brown, then cook the penne pasta while you whip up that delightful sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is ready to serve hot and fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry. Try adding spinach for extra nutrition, or substitute with whole wheat penne for a healthier option.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sometimes when I whip up this Crack Chicken Penne, my kids come running from all corners of the house like it’s a dinner bell! Their smiles make all the chopping worth it.

FAQs :

What is Crack Chicken Penne?

Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.

How do you make Crack Chicken Penne?

To make Crack Chicken Penne, start by cooking penne pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, cook diced chicken until golden brown. Add cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the chicken, stirring until well combined. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Finish with grated cheese for added flavor and serve hot. This simple process ensures that all ingredients meld beautifully for an irresistible dish.

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully in Crack Chicken Penne, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. The key is to choose a pasta that holds onto the sauce well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of pasta you select. Experimenting with different shapes can add variety to your meal.

Can I prepare Crack Chicken Penne in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Crack Chicken Penne in advance. To do so, cook the dish but leave out the final baking step if you’re using cheese topping. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the oven and add cheese before baking until bubbly. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Conclusion for Crack Chicken Penne :

In summary, Crack Chicken Penne is a delectable dish that combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors. Its easy preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. By utilizing simple ingredients like chicken and ranch seasoning, you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as-is or customized with extra veggies, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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Crack Chicken Penne

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Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with zesty ranch seasoning, delivering a satisfying flavor explosion. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe comes together quickly and is topped with gooey cheese and fresh parsley for an irresistible finish. Your family will be asking for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Shred the chicken.
3. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
4. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth; mix until creamy.
5. Gently fold in the cooked penne, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 492
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 672mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Substitute whole wheat penne for a healthier option. Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.