Looking for a quick, creamy dinner that will wow your taste buds? Crack Chicken Penne is your answer! This simple recipe combines tender chicken, tangy ranch seasoning, and gooey cheese, all mixed with penne pasta. Perfect for busy nights, this dish offers comfort food vibes that everyone loves. Let’s dive into the ingredients and easy steps to make this crowd-pleaser!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of ranch seasoning and creamy cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different types of cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Required Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gather these ingredients to make your Crack Chicken Penne. This dish uses simple, tasty items. You’ll need cooked penne pasta as your base. Shredded chicken gives it heartiness. The cream cheese adds richness, while cheddar brings a nice melt. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick that you’ll love. Frozen broccoli adds color and nutrition. Garlic powder brings out the best in flavors. Don't forget salt and pepper to make it just right. Finally, fresh parsley brightens up the dish when you serve it.
Optional Ingredients
- Additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach)
- Substitute cheeses
- Spices and herbs for added flavor
You can get creative with optional ingredients. Adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach boosts nutrition. You can also swap cheeses for a new twist. Try different spices and herbs to make it your own. Each choice can change the taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
- In a large pot, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese melts and blends well.
Adding the Broth and Seasonings
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth. Keep stirring to mix everything smoothly.
- Add garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Final Assembly
- Stir in the frozen broccoli florets. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated.
- Fold in the cooked penne pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and coats everything evenly.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
How to perfectly shred chicken To shred chicken easily, use two forks. Grab one fork in each hand. Hold the chicken down with one fork and pull with the other. This method works best when the chicken is warm. If it’s cold, warm it up a bit. You can also use a stand mixer. Just place the chicken in the bowl and mix on low for a few seconds.
Ensuring even cheese melting To make sure your cheese melts well, start with soft cheese. Cream cheese should be at room temp. Cut it into smaller pieces before adding it to your pot. Stir slowly and keep the heat low. This will help the cheese melt evenly and mix well with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal pairings with Crack Chicken Penne Crack Chicken Penne pairs great with a simple salad. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. The bread helps scoop up the creamy sauce. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Recommended side dishes Consider serving steamed vegetables on the side. Broccoli, carrots, or green beans work well. You can also add a fruit salad for a refreshing touch. It adds sweetness and balances the creamy pasta.
Storing and Reheating
Best ways to store leftovers Store Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container. Let it cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
How to reheat without losing quality To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent uneven heating and keeps it creamy.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it can save you time and add extra flavor to the dish.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a different taste and texture.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a creamier dish, add more cream cheese or even a splash of heavy cream.
- Cheese Variations: Mix up the cheeses by adding mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make this dish lighter. Start with whole wheat penne or veggie pasta. These options add more fiber and nutrients. You can also use low-fat cheese. This swap cuts calories without losing flavor.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices give a nice kick. You can also mix in different sauces. Try adding Alfredo sauce for creaminess or a bit of barbecue sauce for sweetness.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want a vegetarian twist, use plant-based proteins. Tofu or chickpeas work well. They soak up all the flavors. You can also switch to a different protein. Turkey or pork can replace the chicken, offering new tastes.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can store Crack Chicken Penne in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight seals work best for storage.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze Crack Chicken Penne, let it cool completely first. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Best Practices
You can reheat Crack Chicken Penne using a few methods. The microwave works well for quick reheating. Just cover it to keep moisture in. You can also use a stove. Heat it gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. Lastly, an oven can warm it up nicely. Bake it at 350°F until warmed through. This helps keep the creamy texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken. Shredded chicken works best. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just make sure it is cooked and safe to eat. You can mix it with the cheese and ranch seasoning. This makes the dish even easier!
How spicy is Crack Chicken Penne?
Crack Chicken Penne is not spicy. The ranch seasoning adds flavor without heat. If you want some spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Adjust to your taste!
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
You can use Italian seasoning or a mix of herbs. Try using garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. This will give a nice flavor, too. Just make sure to taste as you go. Adjust the amounts to fit your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it. It keeps well in the fridge for about three to four days. Just divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners.
Can I make Crack Chicken Penne in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients at once. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir it well before serving. This method makes the chicken super tender and flavorful.
This blog post shows you how to make a tasty Crack Chicken Penne. You learned about the key ingredients, simple steps, and handy tips. The recipe is flexible; you can change ingredients or make it healthier.
Overall, this dish is easy to prepare and great for weeknight meals. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors! You’ll impress friends and family with this yummy meal.
