Crack Chicken Penne is an irresistible dish that combines creamy texture, savory flavors, and the perfect amount of spice, making it a delicious choice for any dinner table. With its comforting ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this dish has gained so much popularity. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will surely impress everyone involved.
Why We Love This Crack Chicken Penne
You might be wondering what makes Crack Chicken Penne a favorite among many. First, the dish combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce that coats each piece of penne pasta beautifully. The use of herbs and spices adds depth to its flavor, making every bite delightful. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize the spice level or add vegetables depending on your taste. Plus, it comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights. With its comforting texture and rich taste, Crack Chicken Penne provides a satisfying meal that leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cups of spinach (optional)
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
Start by cooking the penne pasta. Boil water in a large pot, and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the pan, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until well blended.
If you’re adding spinach, fold it into the sauce at this point, and let it wilt.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Penne
Serving Crack Chicken Penne is simple yet effective. Start with a generous portion of the pasta on each plate, ensuring you get a nice amount of that creamy chicken sauce. The vibrant color of the dish can be elevated further by adding some fresh green onions on top, which not only look appealing but also add a slight crunch and extra flavor. You might also consider pairing this dish with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you want something to dip into the creamy sauce, serve it alongside some warm garlic bread or crusty rolls. This adds a nice rustic element to the dinner while allowing you to savor every drop of that delicious sauce.
Expert Tips for Crack Chicken Penne
To make the most out of your Crack Chicken Penne, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, choose high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and texture. Cooking the chicken until slightly browned enhances its richness. If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a little olive oil, garlic, and ranch seasoning before cooking.
When it comes to the creaminess of the sauce, use full-fat cream cheese. This results in a silkier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, opt for cream cheese made with lower fat but expect a slightly different outcome. Adjusting the seasoning is crucial too; feel free to add more or less ranch seasoning depending on your preference.
Finally, don’t hesitate to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to your dish for added nutrition and color. They can be sautéed with the chicken or added when simmering the sauce, integrating seamlessly into the overall flavor profile.
How to Store Crack Chicken Penne
Storing Crack Chicken Penne is a straightforward process. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can remain frozen for about two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Variations of Crack Chicken Penne
The beauty of Crack Chicken Penne lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier version, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. If you want a smoky flavor, incorporate smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
For those looking to make it a lighter meal, substitute chicken breast with turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You could replace penne with quinoa or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist. Adding more vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or kale can not only make the dish more colorful but also boost its nutritional value.
If you enjoy experimenting, consider topping the dish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a little olive oil before baking for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, for cheese lovers, try adding different kinds of cheeses such as mozzarella or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
FAQ about Crack Chicken Penne
You might have some questions about Crack Chicken Penne as you prepare to make this delightful dish. One common question is whether you can use leftover chicken. Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken from another meal, you can use it in this recipe. Just add it to the sauce when it’s nearly finished heating up.
Another question often arises regarding the type of pasta. While penne works perfectly, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to ensure the pasta can hold onto that creamy sauce.
Lastly, some might wonder how to make it a one-pot meal. You can cook the chicken and pasta together in the same pot. Just add the pasta to the boiling chicken broth after cooking the chicken, following the usual steps. This simplification not only saves time but also allows the pasta to soak up more flavor.
With these insights, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this creamy and savory Crack Chicken Penne, making it your new go-to meal.
Crack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced High-quality chicken for best flavor
- 8 ounces penne pasta Can substitute with other pasta shapes
- 2 cups chicken broth For cooking the pasta and creating sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese Full-fat preferred for creaminess
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with other cheese types
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika Can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken
- 2 cups spinach (optional) Can use other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- as needed Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the pan, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until well blended.
- If using spinach or other vegetables, fold them into the sauce at this point and let them wilt.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
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