Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that has become a staple in my household – Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to option for your weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to satisfy my family’s cravings for a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and al dente penne pasta is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have. My family goes crazy for this because it’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with amazing flavors. It’s like a big warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. I sometimes use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and it turns out just as delicious. If you’re in a hurry, you can use rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. It’s all about making it work for you!
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken and cook until heated through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and green onions. Stir well.
4. In a casserole dish, combine the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the ranch dressing mixture. Mix until everything is well coated.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and garnish with some additional green onions if desired.
Notes
During the cooking process, don’t worry if the sauce looks a bit weird or separated – it always does! Once it bakes in the oven, everything comes together beautifully. Also, feel free to add some diced tomatoes or chopped spinach for an extra burst of freshness.
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe. One time, I added some diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. It turned out fantastic! However, I must admit that when I tried using whole wheat pasta instead of penne, it didn’t work out so well. The texture just wasn’t the same. Stick to the classic penne for the best results.
Equipment
You’ll need a large skillet, a casserole dish, and foil for baking. If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can use a deep baking dish as a substitute. Just make sure it’s oven-safe.
Storage
This Crack Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although, I must confess, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! It’s just that good.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this dish with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the pasta perfectly. You can also enjoy it with some garlic bread on the side to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Pro Tips
Through my trial and error, I’ve learned a few things that can make a difference in this recipe. Firstly, avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Secondly, if you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It adds a nice kick!
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
And there you have it – a fantastic recipe for Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family does. Happy cooking!
Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne
Irresistible Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
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In the same skillet, cook shredded chicken until heated through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, and green onions. Stir well.
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In a casserole dish, mix cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ranch dressing mixture.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot, garnish with green onions if desired.