Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne Recipe | Quick & Tasty
As you gather your loved ones around the dinner table, the aroma of a delicious meal fills the air. It brings a sense of warmth and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere. You might think back to those busy weeknights spent together, laughing as you cook up something special.
Today, let’s explore Crack Chicken Penne—a dish that satisfies your cravings and brings your family closer. It combines tender chicken, savory bacon, and a rich sauce. This quick and easy pasta recipe is a one-pot wonder, ready in just 30 to 40 minutes.
Join over 6,782 people who have already shared this mouthwatering crack chicken penne recipe. Your taste buds are in for a treat, as you enjoy the comfort of flavors that make everyday meals extraordinary.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy chicken pasta dish that quickly wins hearts and fills bellies. It combines ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheeses for a comfort food masterpiece. This dish started with slow-cooked shredded chicken and creamy ingredients, becoming a hit in many homes.
This recipe is easy to make in different ways. You can cook it on the stovetop in 40 minutes or in a slow cooker for a low-and-slow meal. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy your meal without stress.
Crack Chicken Penne stands out for its great taste and nutrition. It has 600-700 calories per serving, with lots of protein. It’s perfect for comfort after a long day or for family gatherings, becoming a favorite dish.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
The Crack Chicken Penne is a standout one-pot pasta recipe. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something simple yet flavorful. This dish is easy to make and packed with creamy goodness.
This meal uses key ingredients like crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and a cheesy sauce. Each adds a unique flavor, turning simple pasta into a cozy dish. You can make it in just 10 minutes, and it cooks in about 30 minutes.
This recipe serves six, making it great for feeding a crowd. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or just a family dinner. Crack Chicken Penne combines delicious taste with ease, making it a favorite for weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne
To make the perfect Crack Chicken Penne, you need the right ingredients. This cheesy pasta recipe gets its flavor from a few key items. Knowing what each ingredient does makes every bite a joy.
Bacon: The Key to Flavor
Thick-cut bacon is a game-changer in this dish. It adds flavor and a nice crunch. Using four slices of bacon gives the dish richness and depth.
Chicken Breasts: Choosing the Right Cut
Choose one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces. This ensures even cooking and texture. The chicken absorbs the creamy sauce, making the dish succulent.
Pasta Selection: Why Penne Works Best
Penne pasta is the best choice for this dish. Its tubular shape holds the sauce well, making each bite memorable. You can try other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli, but penne is perfect.
Cheeses: A Creamy Duo
Using cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese makes a creamy sauce. These cheeses melt well and add richness and flavor. Aim for four ounces of cream cheese and two cups of cheddar for the best cheesy taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making perfect Crack Chicken Pasta is easy with these steps. This guide will show you how to make it quickly. You’ll get a rich, tasty dish ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Preparing the Bacon
First, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until it’s crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Then, take it out and let it drain on paper towels. Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, add 2 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook each side for 6-8 minutes until it’s 165 degrees F inside. After cooking, let it rest before slicing it into pieces.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and add 16 oz. of cream cheese to the skillet. Let it melt in the bacon drippings. Then, stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup of milk and 1 oz. of ranch seasoning for creaminess. Mix well.
Combining All Ingredients
Now, mix everything together. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Include the crispy bacon and any extra ingredients like green onions. Toss until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your Crack Chicken Pasta!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs | 2 lbs. |
| Crispy Bacon | ½ lb. |
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz. |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
| Pasta | ½ lb. |
| Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 oz. |
| Sliced Green Onions | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Penne
Mastering Crack Chicken Penne is more than just following a recipe. You need some cooking tips to make it perfect. These tips will help you create a dish that wows your family and friends.
Preventing Overcooking
Cooking pasta right is all about timing. Cook your penne for 15 to 20 minutes for the best texture. Start checking it a few minutes before the time ends.
Use enough water and salt it well to prevent sticking. This is key for great pasta. When cooking chicken, aim for a light golden color in 5-6 minutes. Remember, overcooking makes pasta dry, which is bad for crack chicken penne.
Enhancing Flavors with Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs make any dish better. Add parsley, basil, or thyme to your crack chicken penne for a burst of flavor. These herbs add a new taste to the creamy sauce.
Chop herbs just before serving to keep them fresh. This small detail makes a big difference. Your effort will turn a meal into a memorable experience.
Serving Suggestions for Crack Chicken Penne
Choosing the right sides can make your Crack Chicken Penne even better. The right sides and drinks can make every bite a joy. Here are some great options to try with this rich pasta dish.
Side Dishes That Pair Well
Here are some top picks for sides that go great with pasta:
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Roasted broccoli’s crispness is a perfect match for the creamy penne.
- Light Salad with Vinaigrette – A fresh salad with a light dressing adds a nice balance to the dish’s richness.
- Sautéed Green Beans – Simple yet tasty, sautéed green beans add color and crunch to your plate.
Ideal Beverage Pairings
Choosing the right drink can really bring out the flavors. Here are some top picks to go with Crack Chicken Penne:
- Chilled Chardonnay – A cool Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce with its fruit notes.
- Sparkling Water – Sparkling water is a great choice if you prefer not to drink alcohol. It cleanses your palate between bites.
- Iced Tea – Unsweetened iced tea adds a touch of bitterness that balances the dish’s richness while keeping you hydrated.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly storing and reheating your Crack Chicken Penne ensures you enjoy every bite. A few simple steps can make your leftovers storage better. They also keep the dish’s flavors intact. Here are key tips for refrigerating and reheating pasta dishes safely.
Refrigeration Tips
For the best leftovers storage, put your Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container once it cools. This keeps it fresh and prevents moisture loss. Try to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. If you won’t eat it in time, freeze it for later.
Freezing for Future Meals
Freezing is a great way to keep your Crack Chicken Penne longer. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for individual portions. Frozen, your pasta can last up to 3 months. To thaw, refrigerate overnight, or microwave on low.
When reheating, microwaving is quick for pasta dishes. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between, until hot. For a more traditional method, reheat in the oven. It takes longer but can improve flavors if you’re patient.
Variations You Can Try
Exploring different versions of crack chicken penne lets you tailor the dish to your liking. You can make it healthier or add new flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meals more exciting and nutritious.
Making it Healthier
Try using turkey instead of chicken for a leaner protein. Adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition and flavor. Choose whole-grain penne for more fiber, making your meal more filling.
Consider using low-fat cream or chicken broth for a lighter sauce. These changes make your dish healthier without sacrificing taste.
Exploring Different Flavors
Try new cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique taste. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick. Herbs like basil or oregano add freshness and depth to the dish.
These tweaks keep your meals interesting and encourage creativity in the kitchen. They help you enjoy your favorite dishes in new and exciting ways.
Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe Overview
The crack chicken penne dish is a tasty choice for a quick dinner. It’s a creamy, savory meal that’s loved by many. The recipe combines cooked chicken with flavorful ingredients, making it a hit at family gatherings.
To make this comforting dish, start by cooking 8 ounces of elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare 2 cups of shredded chicken. This can be from a rotisserie or homemade.
The secret to the flavor is mixing the chicken with 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups of sour cream, and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. These ingredients make the dish rich and creamy.
The seasoning blend includes dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, and spices. After mixing, put the mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it with 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This easy recipe serves 6-8 people, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With just a few steps, you can make this wonderful dish and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | 795 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g (5% of daily value) |
| Protein | 70 g (140% of daily value) |
| Total Fat | 49 g (75% of daily value) |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g (144% of daily value) |
| Cholesterol | 260 mg (87% of daily value) |
| Sodium | 1553 mg (68% of daily value) |
| Potassium | 1219 mg (35% of daily value) |
| Calcium | 528 mg (53% of daily value) |
With this detailed overview, you’re ready to start cooking one of the most beloved recipes. Enjoy every bite of this fabulous crack chicken penne dish!
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish
Crack Chicken Penne is great for many gatherings. It’s comforting, making it perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Imagine coming home to a warm, creamy pasta dish that delights your taste buds.
This dish is also perfect for social events. At a potluck, Crack Chicken Penne will get lots of praise. Its flavors are appealing, and it’s easy to make. This means you can enjoy time with friends and family more.
It’s also great for special events. Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, its rich taste and hearty nature make it inviting. Pair it with a crisp garden salad or buttery green beans for a standout spread.
Nutrition Information
Knowing the nutritional value of your meals is key to making better choices. Crack Chicken Penne is a hearty dish that serves six people. It’s a satisfying meal that fits into healthy options when made with care.
Each serving has about 560 calories. This is a moderate amount for a filling dish. The fat content is 29g, which is 45% of your daily value.
Saturated fat adds 15g, or 94% of your daily limit. Trans fat is 1g. But, you’ll find healthier fats like 2g of polyunsaturated and 9g of monounsaturated fats.
There’s 38g of protein in each serving, which is 76% of your daily protein needs. This makes it a great choice for increasing your protein intake. Carbohydrates are 34g, with 1g of dietary fiber. The sugar content is just 2g.
Other important nutritional points include:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol | 123mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 942mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 596mg | 17% |
| Vitamin A | 691 IU | 14% |
| Calcium | 335mg | 34% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
You can adjust the ingredients to suit different diets while keeping the taste. Pairing it with fresh veggies or a side salad boosts its nutritional value. This makes it a vibrant choice for any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crack Chicken Penne, you might run into some cooking mistakes. These can ruin the taste and texture of your dish. One big mistake is overcooking the chicken, making it dry. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until it hits 165°F (74°C).
Another problem is overcooking the pasta. Always use salted water and cook the penne for 8-10 minutes. This makes it al dente. If it’s too long, it gets mushy. Also, add cheese carefully to avoid clumps. Add shredded cheese for melting in the last few minutes.
Lastly, timing is key. Have all your ingredients ready before starting. This keeps things smooth and prevents mess. Paying attention to cooking times and methods makes your dish a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Crack Chicken Penne is a hit for many reasons. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a favorite for family meals, pleasing everyone’s taste buds.
The dish is made with comforting ingredients like bacon, chicken, and creamy sauces. This mix creates a flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
This recipe is loved by all and can be customized to fit your family’s taste. You can add fresh herbs or spices to make it even better. The one-pot cooking makes it easy to prepare and clean up afterwards.
Its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce is unbeatable. It’s a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to the table.
Conclusion
The Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a great choice for tasty pasta dishes. It’s easy to make and ready in about 25 minutes. This makes it perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.
The mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce is incredibly comforting. It’s sure to make your taste buds happy and want more.
This recipe lets you get creative and add your own twist. You can change the spice or add your favorite veggies. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.
It’s not just delicious but also brings people together. Sharing meals and cooking with others is what makes it special.
Start making this Crack Chicken Penne recipe and share your own versions. Building a community around food is rewarding. Dive into this recipe and make it a favorite for your weeknights!
