Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our Crack Chicken Penne recipe! This creamy and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with great flavors
- Quick and easy prep time
- Perfect for meal prep for busy weekdays
Ingredient Notes:
- Penne pasta: Provides a hearty base for the dish.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Adds protein and flavor.
- Cream cheese: Creates a creamy and rich sauce.
- Packet ranch seasoning mix: Infuses the dish with savory ranch flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey and cheesy topping.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky and crispy element.
- Chicken broth: Helps to thin out the sauce.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh and zesty finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding some diced jalapenos or bell peppers.
- To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cream cheese.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Be generous with the cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Crack Chicken Penne with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat before serving.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken? Absolutely, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
- Can I freeze this dish? While it can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make this delicious Crack Chicken Penne, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy!
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Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crack Chicken Penne Recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Follow package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth in a skillet over medium heat until smooth.
- Add Chicken and Bacon: Stir in shredded chicken and cooked bacon.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta into the skillet to coat with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the pasta and melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg