Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *crack chicken penne*! It’s one of those recipes that just screams comfort food. Picture creamy, dreamy pasta enveloping tender shredded chicken in a savory sauce that’s packed with flavor. I whip this up when I’m craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s super simple to make, and trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!
This dish has a special place in my heart because it’s become a family favorite. The kids love it, and I love how easy it is to prepare on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this *crack chicken penne* is super straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups penne pasta: This is the star of the show! The penne holds onto that creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for this—it’s so convenient and adds great flavor!
- 1 cup cream cheese: This is what gives the dish its rich, creamy texture. You can use regular or low-fat, depending on your preference.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This helps to create a lovely sauce that brings everything together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey goodness that melts into the pasta and makes it so cheesy and delicious!
- 1 packet ranch seasoning: This is the secret weapon! It adds a burst of flavor that really elevates the dish.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: For a fresh crunch and a pop of color, these are a must!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste and adjust! You want to make sure the flavors are just right.
How to Prepare Crack Chicken Penne
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this *crack chicken penne*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish on your table in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
First things first, grab a pot and bring some salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be just right, so it holds up against that creamy sauce. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’ll want it ready to soak up all that goodness!
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now, in a large pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup of cream cheese, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning. Stir these together until everything is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic really starts! You’ll want to keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely into the broth, creating a luscious sauce that’s just calling for some pasta.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Add in your 2 cups of shredded chicken and the cooked penne pasta to the pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken and pasta are well-coated with that creamy sauce. Honestly, at this point, the aroma is just divine! It’s like a little taste of heaven right there.
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese and Green Onions
Now, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. Stir again until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined. This is where it gets extra cheesy, and I can’t tell you enough how much I love that gooey texture! Cook it for just a couple more minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test—do you need a bit more salt? Maybe a dash of pepper? Adjust it to your liking! Serve this warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig in. Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Creamy, dreamy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying
- Flavor-packed with ranch seasoning and melted cheese
- Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Customizable—switch up the protein or add veggies if you like!
- Crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *crack chicken penne* turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips for success that I swear by:
- Use rotisserie chicken: This is a game changer! It saves you time and adds so much flavor. Just shred it up and you’re good to go!
- Don’t skip the salt and pepper: Seasoning is key! Start with a little, taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. You want those flavors to really pop!
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is delicious, don’t be afraid to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick!
- Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious boost. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
- Make it your own: If you love a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce. Customize it to your taste!
- Leftovers are your friend: This dish stores really well, so make extra! It’s perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner later in the week.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting dish that your family will love just as much as mine does!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! I always think it’s good to know what’s going into our delicious meals, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this *crack chicken penne*:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But this should give you a good idea of the hearty goodness you’re serving up! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for its ability to hold onto that creamy sauce, you can definitely swap it out for other pasta shapes. Fusilli or rotini would work great since their twists and turns catch the sauce beautifully. Even spaghetti can do the trick in a pinch! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require slight adjustments.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten *crack chicken penne* into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to bring back that creamy texture. You can also microwave it, just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep this dish ahead of time! You can make the creamy sauce and cook the pasta a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine them, add the chicken and cheese, and heat everything through. If you’re planning to freeze it, I recommend waiting to add the cheese until you’re ready to heat it up for the best texture. This way, you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready to go whenever you need it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure you can enjoy your *crack chicken penne* even after the first delicious serving! Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping that creamy goodness intact.
To store any leftovers, simply transfer the *crack chicken penne* into an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down a bit before sealing it up, as that helps prevent condensation from forming inside. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Trust me, it’s so good, you’ll want to make sure you save every last bite!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you’re aiming for the best texture, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop. Just place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to help bring back that creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it. Pop a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, and heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it can dry out!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your *crack chicken penne* just as much as the first time around. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Crack Chicken Penne: 5 Reasons It Will Wow Your Family
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring penne pasta and shredded chicken in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, combine cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Cook over medium heat until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked penne to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in cheddar cheese and green onions. Cook until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken recipe
