Crack Chicken Penne
Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender penne pasta with shredded chicken, savory spices, and a blend of cheeses. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, offering rich flavors in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the dish to warm through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat penne or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated; just add a little extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce while reheating.