Okay, let me tell you about this.Crack Chicken Penne is a crackImagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic baked ziti, but kicked up another notch with the crispy, golden crust. What is the irresistible flavor of crack chicken? What is the best bacon seasoning? Is it addictive? I need a recipe to win, especially on those chaotic days. This is one of those recipes I pull out. If you love pasta bakes and crave something different, this is about to become your new favorite. I swear, the first time I made it, it was gone in 15 minutes flat!
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What is crack chicken penne?
Think of Crack Chicken Penne: What are someAs the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with shredded chicken. Cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Why is crack chicken so addictive? When you add it to a pasta bake, magic happens. Is it the kind of dish that makes everyone happy and asking for seconds? Is it hard to stop eating food?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? The creamy sauce, the savory chicken, and the bacon – it’s a symphony of deliciousness. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together. What is a lifesaver when I don’t have time to think? Can you make leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to make it even faster? Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily adjust the amounts to fit your pantry. What are some of the best pasta dishes that will please even the pickiest eater?Crack Chicken Penne?What is the best answer for mac and cheese?
How do I make crack chicken penne?
Quick Overview
Making this Crack Chicken Penne.is surprisingly simple! You’ll cook the pasta, whip up the creamy chicken mixture, combine everything, top with cheese, and serve. Bake until golden brown. Remove from oven. What is the best part about customization? Add veggies, use different types of cheese, or adjust the seasoning to your preference. Is it foolproof?
Ingredients
For the Crack Chicken Mixture:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I always use full-fat for the best flavor)
* 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing seasoning
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions, optional
For the Penne Pasta: What is the recipe
* 1 pound penne pasta
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent pasta from sticking? I usually use cooking spray, but you could also butter the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
What are some ways to cook chicken. You can boil it until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, use a rotisserie chicken and shred it. I use my Instant Pot. It’s so easy. If you have chicken breasts, place them in a pot with 1 cup of chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
Step 3: Cook the Penne Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together?
Step 4: Prepare the Crack Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing seasoning. Set aside. What is the base of your sauce?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese to the cream. Stir well. What is the cheese mixture Stir until well combined. Then, add the cooked penne pasta and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake
In a baking dish, pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. I always check the cheese after about 15 minutes to make sure it isn’t getting too brown. Is it a good time to eat it?
Step 7: Let it Rest & Serve
Let the Crack Chicken Penne.Let the sauce stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps the recipe to thicken up if you add extra sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
This Crack Chicken Penne is a classicI always like to serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. What are some vegetables for extra nutrition? For a casual dinner, some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce is perfect. If you’re serving it for a potluck or party, just make sure to serve it with fresh fruit salad or coleslaw. What are some of the best ways to enjoy a glass of white wine or beer on special occasions? What are some of the best creamy, savory flavors? My family loves it with garlic bread! It’s a tradition at this point.
How do I make crack chicken penne?
What are some tips for making this post?Crack Chicken Penne is a crackWhat is even more amazing is that the
Chicken Prep:Don’t overcook chicken! Dry chicken is the enemy of a good casserole. If boiling, check for doneness frequently. What is the best way to avoid overcooking meat?
Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you start mixing. I usually leave it out on the counter for at least an hour. This will prevent lumps in your sauce.
Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Soggy bacon is a no-no! I like to bake mine in the oven – it’s less messy and cooks evenly.
Cheese: Use a good quality cheddar cheese. The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I also like to shred my own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded – it melts better.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little heat. My husband loves it this way!
Vegetable Boost: Mix in some cooked broccoli, peas, or corn for added nutrients and flavor. This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
Pasta Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini, ziti, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this recipe.
I’ve learned these tips the hard way, believe me! Especially the cream cheese one – nobody wants lumpy sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Crack Chicken Penne is even better the next day! To store it, let it cool completely and then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating in the oven, you may want to add a little extra cheese on top to freshen it up. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing. But honestly, it never lasts long enough for me to need to freeze it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this Crack Chicken Penne is one of those recipes that everyone needs in their repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta bake recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Chicken Pasta Delight: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon diced
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into cubes
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cups vegetable broth low sodium
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese softened
- 15 ounces sun-dried tomato pesto 1 jar
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, divided
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7-9 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish. Discard excess grease.
- Add chicken to the skillet, season with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden.
- Mix in red bell peppers and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15-18 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Fold in mascarpone cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped bacon (excluding reserved), and 2 tablespoons of basil. Stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
