Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
- The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce
- How to Make This Recipe Even Easier
- Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
– This crack chicken penne is the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.- Great for meal prep and leftovers, as it reheats beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Penne
If you’re looking for dinner recipes that bring bold flavors and rich textures to the table, this crack chicken penne is a must-try. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!
The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce
The key to achieving that ultra-creamy, restaurant-quality sauce lies in the combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream. Blending these together with the pasta water ensures a smooth, velvety consistency that coats every bite perfectly. To enhance the flavor, we add ranch seasoning, garlic, and smoked paprika, giving this dish a rich and deep taste profile.
How to Make This Recipe Even Easier
Need a quicker version of this meal? Here are some simple shortcuts:
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself.
- Opt for pre-cooked bacon to cut down on prep time.
- Substitute store-bought ranch dressing for the seasoning mix if you’re in a hurry.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pairing this crack chicken penne with the right sides can turn it into a full meal. Some great options include:
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a crispy contrast.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a nutrient boost.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully. Simply keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready, bake it at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While penne works best, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni.
Is there a way to make this healthier? Yes! Use light cream cheese, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and opt for turkey bacon.
Crack Chicken Penne – The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Mix in the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and remaining bacon.
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