Looking for a quick dinner that packs a punch? You’ll love my Crack Chicken Penne! This creamy and simple dish combines tender chicken and savory flavors in one pot. Perfect for busy nights, it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, I’ll share tips on making the creamiest sauce and fun variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make you the star of dinner time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and ranch seasoning creates a rich and delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Customizable: You can easily add in your favorite ingredients, like vegetables or extra cheese, to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make Crack Chicken Penne, gather these items:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
You can add extra flavor or crunch with these ingredients:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Extra green onions for garnish
- A sprinkle of paprika for color
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Use these tools to make your cooking easier:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Measuring cups for precise portions
- Stirring spoon for mixing ingredients
This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain it well and set it aside. This step is key for a perfect base.
Preparing and Cooking the Chicken
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix. Cook each side for about 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes.
Making the Creamy Sauce
After the chicken cools, shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until it is creamy. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 3-4 minutes. This step creates a rich sauce that binds the dish.
Mixing Everything Together
Now, add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently until it is well coated in the creamy sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful. If you want, mix in 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon at this stage for extra taste.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, garnish your dish with 1/2 cup of sliced green onions. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper based on your taste. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne warm for a delightful meal!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crack Chicken Penne, avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook it until it is just right. If the chicken gets dry, the dish will not taste good. Also, do not skip the ranch seasoning. It adds a lot of flavor. Lastly, be careful with salt. You can always add more later.
How to Achieve the Creamiest Sauce
To get the creamiest sauce, use softened cream cheese. This makes it mix well. Adding chicken broth helps it stay smooth. Stir the sauce gently and let it bubble for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. You can always add more cheese for extra creaminess.
Best Practices for Shredding Chicken
Shred the chicken while it is still warm. This makes it easier to pull apart. Use two forks to shred it. If you find it tough, let it cool a bit. After shredding, return it to the skillet. This way, it can soak up all the sauce. It makes each bite packed with flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker meal, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
To make a vegetarian version of Crack Chicken Penne, swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Use 8 oz of sliced mushrooms or 1 can of drained chickpeas. This keeps the dish hearty and adds protein. You can also add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and color. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full veggie taste.
Spicy Variation
Want some heat? Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use spicy ranch seasoning instead of regular ranch. If you like it extra spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce before serving. This will give your Crack Chicken Penne a nice kick!
Gluten-Free Adaptation
For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that work great. Make sure the ranch seasoning and chicken broth you use are also gluten-free. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities while still being creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal without worry!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Keep it in a shallow dish to help it cool faster. This way, it will taste great when you’re ready to eat it again.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place a single serving on a plate. Heat it on medium power for about two to three minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. If using a skillet, heat on low until warm. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze Crack Chicken Penne if you want to save some for later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding some broth to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This saves time and keeps the dish easy. Make sure to warm the chicken in the skillet before mixing.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese for the topping. Check the ranch seasoning too. Some brands offer dairy-free options.
What can I serve with Crack Chicken Penne?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is a tasty choice too.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just cook it according to the package instructions. The creamy sauce will coat any pasta beautifully.
This blog post covers all you need for a delicious Crack Chicken Penne. We listed ingredients, optional ones, and tools to make cooking easy. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips to avoid mistakes, and variations to fit your taste. Plus, I shared how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can create a meal that everyone will enjoy. Explore different variations and make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 2 chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 2 green onions, sliced
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top.
- Sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and return it to the skillet.
- Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until creamy and well-combined. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If using bacon, add it now.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
