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- 1 pound penne pasta - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 8 ounces cream cheese For this dish, you need penne pasta, shredded chicken, and cream cheese. The penne gives a nice bite, while the chicken adds protein. Cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich. I often use rotisserie chicken for ease. It saves time and adds great flavor. - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup cooked bacon bits - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper Ranch dressing brings a tangy kick to the dish. Cheddar and mozzarella add depth and creaminess. Bacon bits add a smoky crunch. Garlic and onion powder enhance the flavor. Black pepper gives it a slight heat. Each of these ingredients works together to create a rich and tasty meal. - ¼ cup green onions, chopped - Salt to taste Green onions add a fresh touch. They brighten the dish and make it look nice. Salt helps balance all the flavors. Adjust it to your taste, but be careful not to overdo it. Each ingredient plays a role in making Crack Chicken Penne a true delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add 1 pound of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. You want it firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to shake off any excess water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce. Now, let’s make the creamy sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of ranch dressing. This combo gives a great flavor. Next, add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Also, add ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You want it to be easy to stir. This will coat the pasta and chicken beautifully. Next, it’s time to bring everything together. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of cooked bacon bits to the bowl. For cheese lovers, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Now, gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the chicken mixture. If the mixture feels thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water. This helps loosen it up. If you enjoy baked dishes, you can take it a step further. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden top. After baking, let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Penne! Using rotisserie chicken saves time. You can find it at any grocery store. Just shred it up and mix it in. This adds flavor and cuts prep time. To adjust creaminess, use pasta water. After boiling penne, save some water. If your mix feels thick, add a splash. This keeps your dish smooth and tasty. You can add vegetables to boost nutrition. Try spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Chop them small so they mix well. You can even toss in frozen peas for ease. For heat, think about spices. Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. For baking, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your dish for about 20 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden top as a sign it’s ready. Using foil can help create a perfect crust. Cover your dish for the first 15 minutes. This keeps moisture in, then uncover to let it brown. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker meal, utilize leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken to save time on preparation. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dish, feel free to add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to your sauce. Customize Your Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Add Veggies: Incorporate veggies such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and add color to your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt Crack Chicken Penne for different diets. For a low-carb option, swap the penne pasta for zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish light and fresh. Simply spiralize the zucchini and sauté it for a few minutes before adding it to the sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer this choice, and it cooks just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños for a kick. You can mix in diced jalapeños when you combine everything. This adds heat and flavor that really pops. For an Italian twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes. Chop them up and stir them into the sauce for a burst of flavor. They pair well with the creamy base and give a nice tang. You can make Crack Chicken Penne in different ways. For a quick meal, use an Instant Pot. Start by cooking the penne in the pot. Then, mix in the other ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on high for just a few minutes. If you prefer a slow cooker, this works great too. Cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker for four to six hours on low. Then, stir in the cooked penne before serving. This method lets the flavors meld beautifully. To store leftovers, place Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure the dish cools before sealing. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to eat it later, label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze, transfer the penne to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Divide into portions for quick meals. Crack Chicken Penne can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the microwave or a stovetop. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Repurposing leftovers can be fun! You can turn Crack Chicken Penne into a creamy soup. Just add some chicken broth and veggies. Another option is to make a hearty casserole. Layer the penne with more cheese and bake it until bubbly. You can also mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast dish. These ideas help reduce waste and keep meals exciting. You can prepare Crack Chicken Penne in advance. Start by cooking the penne pasta and setting it aside. Mix the sauce with chicken, bacon, and cheese. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, heat it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. If you bake it, add some extra cheese on top for a bubbly finish. This method saves time and keeps your meal fresh. Yes, you can swap cheeses based on your taste. Creamy cheeses like gouda or fontina melt well and add flavor. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cheeses instead. Mixing different cheeses can make the dish unique and exciting. Crack Chicken Penne pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad with mixed greens adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another favorite for soaking up the creamy sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans also complement the meal well. Choose sides that balance the richness of the pasta for a complete dinner. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Crack Chicken Penne. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to chicken, and how to enhance flavor with cheese and seasonings. You learned clear steps for preparation, assembly, and baking. I shared tips for spice and dietary changes along with storage advice. This dish offers tasty options for everyone. Try your own twists to make it special! Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meals to come.

Crack Chicken Penne

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, cheeses, and ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the shredded chicken, cooked bacon bits, and both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy ranch mixture.
  • Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the chicken mixture until well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
  • If you prefer a baked version, transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle more cheddar on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Once ready, remove from the oven (if baked) and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Optional to bake for a bubbly top.
Keyword baked, chicken, creamy, pasta, ranch