Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: creamy crack chicken penne! It’s this delightful pasta dish that has become a beloved staple in my home. Seriously, it’s so creamy and comforting, with just the right amount of flavor from the ranch seasoning and cheesy goodness. Every time I make it, my family gathers around the table, and I can almost hear the “mmm’s” as they dig in! I love how quick and easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings. Trust me, once you try this creamy crack chicken penne, it’ll steal your heart too!

Ingredients List

8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded (feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut!)
1 packet ranch seasoning, for that flavorful kick
8 oz cream cheese, softened to blend smoothly
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded for melty goodness
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (because who doesn’t love bacon?)
1 cup chicken broth, to bring everything together
1/2 cup green onions, chopped for a fresh crunch on top

How to Prepare Crack Chicken Penne

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth.
Stir the mixture gently as it heats up. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and mix until the cream cheese melts completely and combines with the chicken, creating a creamy sauce. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add the cooked penne pasta to the pot and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated in that luscious, creamy sauce.
Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese melts into the pasta, adding that extra cheesy goodness we all love!
Finally, serve your delicious crack chicken penne topped with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for that fresh crunch. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: You can have this creamy crack chicken penne ready in just 25 minutes!
Ultimate comfort food: The rich, creamy sauce hugs every piece of pasta for a satisfying bite.
Family favorite: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner time a joy.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes—add veggies or switch up the cheese!
Leftovers are amazing: This dish tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep!

Tips for Success

To make your crack chicken penne truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients—using fresh chicken and good cheese makes a world of difference. If you’re going for rotisserie chicken, look for one that’s juicy and flavorful. Also, keep an eye on the heat when melting the cream cheese; you want it to be soft and creamy, not bubbling away! And a little tip for those who love extra flavor: try adding some garlic powder or sautéed garlic for an aromatic kick. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to creamy crack chicken penne, knowing what you’re eating can be just as comforting as the dish itself! Here’s a typical estimate per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check labels if you’re tracking your intake. Enjoy this delicious meal knowing it’s just as satisfying as it is nourishing!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic, you can swap it for any pasta you love, like rotini or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to the point of adding the pasta, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat it up and stir in the cooked penne.

What can I add for extra veggies?
Great question! You can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli for a nutritious boost. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture!

How long will leftovers last?
Your crack chicken penne will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir and warm it up when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I freeze crack chicken penne?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover creamy crack chicken penne is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to keep it creamy, and heat over medium-low, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it—nobody likes rubbery pasta! Enjoy those creamy leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

To make your creamy crack chicken penne meal even more delightful, I love to pair it with a fresh side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pasta. You can also serve it with some warm, buttery garlic bread—trust me, it’s the perfect way to soak up that luscious sauce! If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini make a fantastic complement as well. These sides not only elevate the meal but also add a pop of color to your dinner table!

Crack Chicken Penne: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Dish

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy crack chicken penne pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 packet ranch seasoning
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
In a large pot, combine chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
Cook over medium heat until cream cheese is melted and mixture is combined.
Add cooked penne pasta and stir until well coated.
Mix in cheddar cheese and bacon.
Serve topped with green onions.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: crack chicken penne, creamy pasta, chicken pasta dish

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