EASY CRACK CHICKEN PENNE RECIPE

Imagine the creamy, cheesy, bacon-y goodness of crack chicken all tangled up with perfectly cooked penne pasta; a symphony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist! This Crack Chicken Penne recipe takes everything you love about the classic dip and transforms it into a comforting and satisfying meal that your whole family will rave about. Get ready to experience a dish so addictive, you’ll be making it every week!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the “Crack” Sauce:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• Water
• Salt

The Magic Behind Crack Chicken Penne

Okay, let’s talk about why this Crack Chicken Penne is so darn good. It’s more than just a simple pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion! The combination of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and savory elements is what makes it so addictive. We’re essentially taking all the amazing components of the infamous “crack dip” and transforming them into a satisfying and complete meal. And trust me, the penne pasta is the perfect vessel for delivering all that goodness straight to your taste buds!

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Don’t have penne? Use rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni. Want to kick up the spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! This is your kitchen, and you’re the boss!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Crack Chicken Nirvana

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is super straightforward, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. I’ll walk you through each step, and we’ll have a delicious Crack Chicken Penne on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle the olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken with two forks.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta well. Don’t rinse it – we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling!

Step 3: Make the “Crack” Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Ranch dressing seasoning mix. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and chopped green onions (if using).

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the shredded chicken and drained pasta to the bowl with the “crack” sauce.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Crack Chicken Penne immediately.
2. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Prepare to be amazed!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Crack Chicken Penne Perfection

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes throw us a curveball. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you nail this Crack Chicken Penne every time:

• Chicken Too Dry? If your chicken seems a little dry after baking, try poaching it instead. Simmering it in chicken broth will keep it moist and flavorful.
• Cream Cheese Not Soft Enough? Don’t even try to mix cold cream cheese – it’ll just create lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting, or microwave it in 15-second intervals until softened (but not melted!).
• Sauce Too Thick? If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Want to Make It Ahead? You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Spice It Up! A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños will add a welcome kick to this dish.
• Bacon Bliss: Don’t skimp on the bacon! It’s a crucial component of the “crack” flavor. Cook it until crispy and crumble it well for maximum bacon-y goodness.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Once you’ve mastered the basic Crack Chicken Penne, feel free to experiment with different variations to keep things exciting! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Buffalo Crack Chicken Penne: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the “crack” sauce for a spicy twist.
• Spinach Artichoke Crack Chicken Penne: Stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts for a healthier and more flavorful dish.
• Crack Chicken Pizza Pasta: Add 1/2 cup of pizza sauce and 1/4 cup of pepperoni to the “crack” sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.
• Crack Chicken and Broccoli Penne: Steam some broccoli florets and mix them in with the chicken and pasta.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

This Crack Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because, let’s be honest, who can resist garlic bread with pasta?
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with creamy pasta.

For a complete meal, you might also consider making a batch of White Chicken Chili as a starter. Or, if you’re looking for another easy pasta option, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser! If you’re in the mood for something baked, Chicken Casserole is a great option. Another similar comfort food dish is Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. And for a twist on this recipe, give Crack Chicken Gnocchi a try!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your Crack Chicken Penne Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it – everything you need to create a truly unforgettable Crack Chicken Penne! Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and make it your own. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!

Easy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe transforms the classic crack chicken dip into a comforting and satisfying meal. Creamy, cheesy, and bacon-y, this dish combines shredded chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful ‘crack’ sauce for an addictive flavor explosion that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional
• 1 lb penne pasta
• Wate r
• Salt for pasta water

Equipment

• Oven
• Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Two forks

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle the olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken with two forks.
6. While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
8. Drain the pasta well. Don’t rinse it.
9. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Ranch dressing seasoning mix. Mix until smooth and creamy.
10. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and chopped green onions (if using).
11. Add the shredded chicken and drained pasta to the bowl with the ‘crack’ sauce.
12. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
13. Serve immediately.
14. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

If chicken seems dry after baking, try poaching it in chicken broth. Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time when reheating. Spice it up with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Don’t skimp on the bacon! For variations, try Buffalo Crack Chicken Penne (add 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce), Spinach Artichoke Crack Chicken Penne (stir in 1 cup spinach and 1/2 cup artichoke hearts), Crack Chicken Pizza Pasta (add 1/2 cup pizza sauce and 1/4 cup pepperoni, top with mozzarella and bake), or Crack Chicken and Broccoli Penne (steam and mix in broccoli florets). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.