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- 1 pound penne pasta - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 8 ounces cream cheese For this dish, I find using rotisserie chicken saves time. It’s tasty and ready to go. - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup mozzarella cheese Ranch dressing gives that creamy texture. I like using fresh cheese for better flavor. - 1 cup cooked bacon bits - ¼ cup green onions - Salt and pepper to taste Bacon bits add crunch and flavor. Green onions brighten up the dish and look great too. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a bowl, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of ranch dressing. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. - Fold in 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of cooked bacon bits. - Add 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. - Incorporate the cooked penne into the mixture, stirring gently. - If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. - Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. - Top with additional cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. - Let it rest for a few minutes. - Garnish with ¼ cup of chopped green onions before serving. 1. How do I cook al dente pasta? To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the penne pasta and cook it for one to two minutes less than the package directions. This keeps the pasta firm and gives it a nice bite. 2. How can I soften cream cheese quickly? To soften cream cheese fast, cut it into small cubes. Place the cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts of 10 seconds. Check often to avoid melting it. This makes mixing easier. 1. What are some seasoning adjustments? You can adjust the flavor by adding more garlic powder or onion powder. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Taste and tweak until it’s just right for you. 2. How do I add extra ingredients like vegetables? Adding vegetables is easy! You can use spinach, bell peppers, or peas. Cook them briefly before mixing into the sauce. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. 1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience? Yes, using rotisserie chicken is smart and saves time. Just shred the chicken and mix it in. It adds great flavor without the extra cooking. 2. What are alternatives for cheese and bacon options? For cheese, consider cream cheese alternatives like Greek yogurt. You can swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a lighter dish. These changes keep the flavors but lower the fat content. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick meal, opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Make It Healthier: Substitute traditional bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Add Veggies: Increase the nutritional value by mixing in some steamed broccoli or spinach before baking for added flavor and color. {{image_4}} You can make Crack Chicken Penne lighter by swapping in turkey bacon. Turkey bacon has less fat but still gives you that crispy bite. It’s a great way to keep the flavor while cutting some calories. For the pasta, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free options. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, which is good for digestion. Gluten-free pasta lets people with gluten issues enjoy this dish too. Both options still taste great! Want to add more color and nutrition? Try incorporating cooked vegetables into the dish. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work well. They add flavor and make your meal even healthier. You can also enhance the taste by adding spices. A sprinkle of paprika or a pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick. Experimenting with spices keeps your meals exciting! If you want to change up the creaminess, explore different dressings or sauces. A zesty blue cheese dressing can add a fun twist. Or, try a spicy chipotle sauce for a unique flavor. Using different cheese combinations is also a fun way to switch things up. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste or pepper jack for some heat. Mixing cheeses can create new and exciting flavor profiles in your Crack Chicken Penne! To keep your Crack Chicken Penne fresh, follow these tips. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Next, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to toss it. Freezing your Crack Chicken Penne is easy. Start by letting it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use both the oven or microwave. For best results, cover the dish with foil in the oven. This keeps it moist. Heat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. For reheating, the oven works well for maintaining texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover your dish with foil to avoid drying it out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. This helps keep the creamy texture. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. Enjoy your tasty meal just like the first time! Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. To do this, cut the chicken into small pieces. Sauté them in a pan over medium heat until they are no longer pink. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it into the creamy sauce. This gives the dish a fresh flavor and adds a nice texture. Remember to check that the chicken is cooked through. If you lack ranch dressing, you have options. You can use blue cheese dressing or Italian dressing instead. Both add a nice taste. If you want to make your own ranch, mix 1 cup of mayo, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and some dried herbs. Use garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor. This way, you still get that creamy texture and taste. Yes, you can prepare Crack Chicken Penne ahead of time. After mixing everything, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. If you freeze it, let it cool before packing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the oven until warm. This makes meal prep easy and fun! In this post, I shared how to make Crack Chicken Penne with easy-to-find ingredients. You learned about cooking methods, tips for flavor boosts, and variations for healthier options. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses or add veggies for extra flavor. Storing leftovers is simple and can keep your meal fresh. Enjoy making this dish, and remember, cooking is about having fun and creating!

Crack Chicken Penne

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish loaded with shredded chicken, bacon, and ranch flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup green onions
  • None to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add the ranch dressing. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a whisk or a spatula to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • To the creamy ranch sauce, incorporate the shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to ensure that all components are evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Carefully fold the cooked penne pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture until everything is well integrated. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add a splash of the pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
  • For a delicious baked version, transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish. Top it with additional shredded cheddar cheese for a delightful crust. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once out of the oven (if you chose to bake it), let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, scatter the chopped green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves time. Optional baking for a crispy top.
Keyword bacon, chicken, creamy, pasta, ranch