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- 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cooked bacon bits (optional) - 2 green onions The key to making Crack Chicken Penne is using quality ingredients. For the main part, you’ll need penne pasta, chicken, and cream cheese. Choose good chicken breasts. They should be boneless and skinless for easy cooking. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy taste that makes the dish special. For the seasonings, I love using ranch seasoning. It gives a tasty kick. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. These small touches make a big difference. Now, let’s talk about the extra ingredients. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice melty texture. Chicken broth helps blend everything together. If you want a crunchy twist, use bacon bits. Fresh green onions add color and a fresh taste. Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking much smoother. Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish a creamy and flavorful delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Begin by filling a large pot with water. Add salt to make it tasty. 2. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Wait until the water boils. 3. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it as per the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 4. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. In a big skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium. 2. Add 1 pound of cubed chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. 3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it turns brown and is cooked through. 1. Sprinkle 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. Stir well to coat each piece. 2. Next, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. 3. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts and becomes creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. 1. Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted. 2. Toss in the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together until all is well combined. 1. If you want extra crunch, stir in 1 cup of cooked bacon bits. This step is optional but tasty. 2. For a fresh twist, garnish your dish with 2 sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing the right cream cheese: Use a full-fat cream cheese. It melts well and gives a rich taste. Low-fat versions may not blend smoothly. - Ensuring ingredients are at room temperature: Let the cream cheese sit out for a bit. Room temperature cream cheese mixes better with sauces. This helps you avoid lumps. - Recommended seasoning variations: Besides ranch, try Italian seasoning or Cajun spices. These give a new twist to the dish. Just sprinkle them in when you add the ranch seasoning. - Adding herbs for freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil work well. Chop them finely and stir them in at the end. They add a bright taste to your meal. - Best types of pots and pans to use: A large pot for pasta is key. Use a big skillet for cooking chicken. This gives you enough room to mix all ingredients later. - Using a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet makes cooking easier. Food won’t stick, and cleanup is simple. This helps keep your kitchen stress-free while cooking. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente. This helps it hold its shape and texture when mixed with the creamy sauce. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the creamy chicken mixture before combining it with the pasta. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning according to your preference. Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker preparation, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. Just shred it and add it to the creamy sauce. Add Vegetables: Consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach to the dish for a pop of color and added nutrition. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Turkey works great as a leaner choice. Shrimp adds a nice touch of seafood flavor. If you prefer plant-based options, use tofu or chickpeas. These choices keep the dish tasty while changing the main protein. To make this dish healthier, choose whole wheat pasta. It has more fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the cheese for fewer calories. Use half a cup of shredded cheddar instead of a full cup. This keeps the dish creamy while cutting down on fat. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a great option; it cooks quickly and adds a pop of color. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. For those who like heat, try adding jalapeños. They give a spicy kick that makes the dish even more exciting! To keep your Crack Chicken Penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. This helps keep moisture from building up. In the fridge, it lasts 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. Freezing Crack Chicken Penne is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. If you want to save time, make Crack Chicken Penne in advance. You can cook a big batch on the weekend. Portion it into meal containers. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. You can also prep the ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken and slice the onions. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This way, you can enjoy a quick, tasty meal any day of the week. Yes, you can prepare Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as normal. Mix all the creamy ingredients together but don’t add the pasta yet. Store the creamy chicken mix in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, heat the mix on the stove and stir in the cooked penne. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You have a few options for ranch seasoning. You can use a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Mix in some onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor. If you want a quick fix, try a store-bought seasoning like Italian dressing mix. You can even make your own ranch by mixing sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs. Yes, you can make this dish meat-free. Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh. Sauté them just like you would the chicken. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian dish. To add a kick to your Crack Chicken Penne, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can mix in hot sauce or a spicy ranch seasoning. If you like heat, try using pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar. These changes will give your dish a nice, spicy twist. In this blog, we walked through making a creamy, delicious Crack Chicken Penne. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to elevate your dish. Remember, you can personalize it with protein swaps or add veggies for more nutrients. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also simple and flexible. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy creating this meal your friends and family will love!

Crack Chicken Penne

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, ranch seasoning, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked bacon bits (optional for crunch)
  • 2 count green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
  • Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
  • If using, stir in the bacon bits for added crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken Penne!

Notes

Optional bacon bits add a nice crunch.
Keyword cheddar, chicken, creamy, pasta, ranch