Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne combines creamy chicken, savory spices, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful dish, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta Common pantry staple
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for best flavor
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth Add extra if the sauce is too thick
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Provides a flavorful base
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Consider using a cheese blend for variety
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder Adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon onion powder Adjust to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Stir over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and everything mixes smoothly.
- Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the skillet, mix well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining
- Once the sauce is well combined and creamy, gently fold in the cooked penne pasta.
- Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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Notes
For a lighter option, swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free penne. You can also add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.