Here is a simple, cheesy pasta dish that comes together fast and fills the table.
introduction
This Crack Chicken Penne mixes shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar with penne pasta. It is creamy and tasty and makes a good weeknight meal. If you like trying other crack chicken ideas, try these crack chicken sliders for a quick sandwich version.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want comfort food that cooks fast. The sauce is rich and goes well with pasta. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. For another creamy option with similar flavors, see this creamy crack chicken sliders idea.
how to make Crack Chicken Penne
You make the sauce in one pot, melt the cream cheese, then add pasta and cheese. Use cooked, shredded chicken to save time. If you want to make the chicken in a slow cooker first, this easy crock pot crack chicken page shows a simple method to cook the chicken ahead.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions :
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large pot, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, and crumbled bacon. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with sliced green onions.
how to serve Crack Chicken Penne
Serve hot in bowls or on plates. Top with extra green onions or more shredded cheddar if you like. Add a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Crack Chicken Penne
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Crack Chicken Penne
- Use warm cream cheese so it melts faster and mixes smooth.
- Shred the chicken small so each bite has sauce and cheese.
- Cook the bacon crisp and crumble it for texture.
- If you want to prep ahead, cook the chicken in a slow cooker and then finish the dish; see this easy crock pot crack chicken method for slow-cooker chicken tips.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas for color and nutrition.
- Swap penne for rotini or shells.
- Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
- Try turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free pasta and check the ranch mix label for gluten.
Q: Can I freeze Crack Chicken Penne?
A: You can freeze it, but the texture may change. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes. It will still be creamy and tasty without bacon.
Conclusion
If you want another version of this recipe from a food blog, see this detailed Crack Chicken Penne – Jo Cooks page for extra photos and notes. For more tips and a similar take, check this Crack Chicken Penne – Gonna Want Seconds post.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Check the label for gluten if needed.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use warm cream cheese to help it melt faster.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled Cook until crisp for best texture.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced For garnish.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth To help melt the cream cheese.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.
Making the Sauce
- In a large pot, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, and crumbled bacon.
- Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined, about 5-7 minutes.
Finishing the Dish
- Add the cooked penne pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture.
- Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot in bowls or on plates, topped with sliced green onions.
