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- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well) - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil For Crack Chicken Penne, you need simple but tasty ingredients. The penne pasta is a great base. You can use 12 oz for a hearty meal. The cooked chicken adds protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken works best. Cream cheese gives the dish its creamy feel. Ranch dressing adds flavor and tang. Cheddar cheese melts nicely into the sauce. You’ll need 1 cup for a cheesy touch. Chicken broth keeps everything moist. Use 1 cup to enhance the taste. Green onions add a fresh bite. Slice up 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top. Garlic powder gives a nice kick. Just 1 teaspoon will do. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, 1 tablespoon of olive oil helps cook the sauce smoothly. These ingredients combine to make a warm, creamy delight. You will love how easy they come together! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain and set aside. To cook the penne pasta, first, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water. The salt will help flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it is boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir it gently. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be tender but still firm. This is called al dente. When it is done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet. - Melt cream cheese until creamy. Next, we will prepare the sauce. Take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute. After that, add the cream cheese. Stir it gently until it melts into a creamy mixture. This should take about two minutes. The creaminess forms the base of our sauce. - Add ranch dressing, shredded chicken, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Stir and cook until heated through. Now, it's time to combine all the ingredients. Add the ranch dressing, shredded chicken, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to mix everything together. Cook this mixture for about three to four minutes. You want it to be heated through. The smell will be amazing! - Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese until melted. After the chicken and sauce are hot, it's time to add cheese. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it into the sauce until it melts. The sauce should become thick and cheesy. This adds a lot of flavor and creaminess to the dish. - Toss drained penne pasta in creamy chicken sauce. Now, take the drained penne pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy chicken sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. This is where all the flavors come together. - Fold in sliced green onions and serve while hot. Finally, it's time to garnish and serve the dish. Fold in the sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the Crack Chicken Penne hot. It looks great in bowls with extra green onions on top. You can even drizzle a bit of ranch dressing for added flavor. Enjoy your meal! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep time. Just shred the chicken before adding it to your dish. This helps blend the taste throughout. For the sauce, adjust thickness to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cream cheese. If you want it thinner, pour in extra chicken broth. This gives you control over the dish's texture. Presentation matters! Serve Crack Chicken Penne in deep bowls. Top with green onions and extra cheese for a nice look. You can also drizzle ranch dressing on top for added flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad balances the creaminess well. Garlic bread adds crunch and makes the meal more filling. Keep your kitchen tools handy for easy cooking. You need a large pot to boil pasta and a big skillet for the sauce. A good spatula helps mix everything well. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts. A shredder makes quick work of the chicken. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor to your dish. Simply shred the chicken and you’re ready to go! Customize Your Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist. Make It One-Pot: Cook the penne directly in the sauce by adding more broth as needed, which infuses more flavor into the pasta. Garnish Creatively: Boost presentation with chopped herbs like parsley or basil, or add crispy bacon bits for added crunch. {{image_2}} For a twist on Crack Chicken Penne, try different ingredients. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It adds creaminess without extra fat. For ranch dressing, you can use homemade dressings. A mix of sour cream, garlic, and herbs makes a great substitute. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. If you prefer something sharper, swap in gouda or pepper jack cheese. These cheeses can add depth and a unique taste to the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combo. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts down nicely and adds color. Bell peppers bring crunch and sweetness. You can sauté them with the chicken mixture for extra flavor. Other great options are broccoli and peas. They cook quickly and blend well into the creamy sauce. You can even toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness. Get creative with your favorite veggies! If you like heat, there are easy ways to spice up your dish. Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives a kick without overpowering flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. For a bolder flavor, try hot sauce. A splash mixed into the creamy sauce can add a nice tang. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy touch. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want to enjoy the flavors! Store your Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to label it with the date. To reheat, the best method is using the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often until hot. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps prevent uneven heating. Crack Chicken Penne stays good in the fridge for four days. If frozen, it remains safe for three months. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to eat it sooner. Thaw frozen pasta in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your creamy dish even days later! You can serve Crack Chicken Penne with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh garden salad for some greens - Steamed broccoli for added nutrition - Roasted vegetables for a warm side - Corn on the cob for a sweet touch These sides pair well and make your meal more filling. Yes, you can make Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prepare the dish and let it cool down. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - It can last for about 3-4 days. - Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. This makes it easy for meal prep! Absolutely! You can make this dish gluten-free. Here’s how: - Use gluten-free penne pasta instead of regular. - Check ranch dressing for gluten-free labels. - Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. These swaps keep the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can still achieve creaminess without cream cheese. Here are some alternatives: - Use sour cream for a tangy flavor. - Try Greek yogurt for a healthy twist. - Blend cashews with water for a nutty cream. These options can help you create that creamy texture! You learned how to make Crack Chicken Penne, from the right ingredients to clever tips. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort. Remember to adjust the sauce’s thickness to your liking. Feel free to explore variations, like adding veggies or going spicy. Store leftovers properly for the best taste later. With the steps and ideas shared, you have what you need to create a great meal. Enjoy this dish with friends or family, and share the joy of cooking!

Crack Chicken Penne

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring shredded chicken and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the ranch dressing, shredded chicken, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, ensuring the sauce is well incorporated.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy chicken sauce until the pasta is fully coated.
  • Remove from heat and fold in sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Serve in bowls, topped with additional green onions and a sprinkle of extra cheese for visual appeal. You can also add a drizzle of ranch dressing on top for extra flavor.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, pasta