Crack Chicken Penne is one of those dishes that just hit you with flavor and comfort all at once. It mixes tender, shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce all tossed with penne pasta that holds the sauce real good. People started loving this dish mostly because of social media sharing yummy photos and easy recipes. Its popularity has exploded because everyone can mix it up however they want, making it a fun recipe to try at family dinners or on a busy night at home.
The idea of "organized chaos" in the kitchen is just like trying new things without stressing on perfection. It means you're cool with a little mess as you try and mix flavors together. In this article we are gonna look at what makes Crack Chicken Penne so awesome, show you how to make it step by step, and share tips to let you add your own flavour twist even if things don't go 100% right.
I. What is Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken is a really tasty dish that has won over lots of home cooks and food lovers. It all started on social media when people posted pictures and recipes that looked so good you couldnt help but try it out. The mix of shredded chicken, lots of cream cheese, and a kick of ranch seasoning makes it addicting, and every bite leaves you wanting more. The dish came from old slow cooker recipes but soon got so popular that many different versions and tweaks started appearin, like spicy ones with jalapeños and healthier spins using Greek yogurt.
One of the best parts about Crack Chicken is that the creamy, cheesy flavor can stick perfectly to pasta, rice, or even crackers. Even if you like to change things up with your food, this dish you can adapt to fit your style. You can also explore a comforting spin on crack chicken with our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup.
II. Penne Pasta: A Perfect Match
Penne pasta is great for this recipe because its tube shape and ridged surface helps it hold the yummy sauce real good. The sauce clings to each piece and makes every bite burst with flavor. The pasta has a firm texture that goes well with the soft and creamy chicken cheese mix.
Using penne isn't just luck. Its shape and texture brings out the best in the dish by balancing the heavy sauce and adds a little fun chewiness. Also, penne cooks real fast which makes it ideal for when you need a tasty dinner in a hurry. You can also create creamy pasta dishes like Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs served over Creamy Parmesan Linguine to expand your repertoire.
III. The Joy of Organized Chaos in Cooking
Calling your cooking style "organized chaos" might sound weird but it realy fits when you are experimenting with new recipes. It meanz accepting that sometimes things get a little messy while you try challenges. When you dont worry too much about every little step, there is more room for creativity and learning from mistakes.
This way of cooking is perfect in todays busy world. Whether you are running from one thing to the next or trying to juggle work and family, being flexible in the kitchen is a huge help. Instead of stressing over exact measures, you can mix things up based on what you have in your fridge. That's why the recipe for Crack Chicken Penne works so well, because you can add or change things to make it your own.
Here are some hints to enjoy the organized chaos while cookin your Crack Chicken Penne:
- Meal Prepping: Get your veggies chopped and chicken pre-cooked before you start to make cooking easier.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you dont have ranch seasoning, try another type of dressing. Or if you want some spice, throw in some diced jalapeños.
- Innovate: Don't be scared to toss in other ingredients. Sometimes adding vegetables like spinach or different cheeses can create a whole new spin on the dish.
IV. Detailed Recipe for Crack Chicken Penne
A. Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup bacon bits
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Optional: green onions for garnish
B. Directions
1. Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a big pot of water with some salt. Once it is bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook it like the box says usually around 10-12 minutes untill its al dente. Stir it sometimes to keep the pasta from stickin together. Drain the pasta but keep a cup of the water for later in case you need to make the sauce a bit looser.
2. Prepare the Crack Chicken Mixture
In a slow cooker or instant pot, mix your shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. For a slow cooker, you cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you use an instant pot, lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the steam out slowly. Once its done, stir it all together until the sauce gets really smooth and creamy. If you want more flavor, you can add a little garlic, some extra spices, or even some sautéed onions. To ensure your chicken is perfectly tender for shredding, follow this Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe.
3. Combine the Ingredients
When your Crack Chicken mix is ready, carefully fold in the cooked penne pasta along with the cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Mix everything together really well so that every piece of pasta gets smothered in sauce. If it feels too thick or dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the creaminess you want. Taste it and fix the seasonings if needed.
4. Serving and Storage Suggestions
Dish your Crack Chicken Penne while it is hot and add some green onions on top if you like. It goes great with a simple salad or some crusty bread on the side. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm up again, you can use the microwave in small portions or heat it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the creaminess.
C. Tips and Variations
You can change up your Crack Chicken Penne in lots of ways to fit your taste or what you have at home:
- You can swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or even pepper jack to change up the flavor.
- If you need to go gluten free, use gluten free penne or even try zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low carb option.
- Toss in some cooked veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add color and extra nutrients.
- Finish it off with crispy fried onions or fresh herbs to add a fun crunch and extra flavor.
Crack Chicken Penne - An Organized Chaos
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 baking dish optional
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Keep a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
- In the same skillet, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- In the skillet, add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce, followed by the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Once well-mixed, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
