Crack Chicken Penne - An Organized Chaos
Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious dish featuring creamy chicken, cheese, and pasta. It brings together tender chicken and savory flavors in a perfect one-pot meal. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a satisfying experience for everyone.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional cooked bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot (or a Dutch oven), add the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- In the pot with the remaining chicken broth, add heavy cream, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the cooked penne pasta. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions and optional bacon bits if desired.
Notes
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.