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If you’re looking for a simple and tasty meal, you’ve found it! Crack Chicken Penne Bake combines creamy goodness and savory chicken into one satisfying dish. I’ll walk you through this easy recipe step-by-step, ensuring you create a winning dinner everyone will love. From hearty ingredients to quick tips, let’s dive into this delicious bake that transforms busy nights into a flavorful feast!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick and hassle-free to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: The combination of chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the chicken for another protein.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup frozen broccoli florets (thawed)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Ingredients
– ½ cup crispy fried onions
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For my Crack Chicken Penne Bake, I use simple ingredients that pack a punch. First, I start with 12 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. Next, I add 2 cups of cooked chicken. I love using shredded chicken for its tender texture.
Cream cheese is a must in this dish. One cup of softened cream cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth. I also mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness.
To bring it all together, I include ½ cup of ranch dressing. It adds a nice zip to the flavor. One cup of chicken broth keeps everything moist and delicious. Don’t forget 1 cup of thawed broccoli florets. They add color and nutrition.
For seasoning, I use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. A pinch of salt and pepper balances the taste perfectly.
Finally, I top it with ½ cup of crispy fried onions. They give a nice crunch. I also sprinkle fresh parsley on top as a bright garnish. This simple mix of ingredients makes a tasty meal everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Gather a large baking dish. This dish will hold all the goodness.
Cook and Combine Ingredients
– Cook 12 oz of penne pasta until al dente and drain it well.
– In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of ranch dressing, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Dish
– Stir in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of thawed broccoli florets. Make sure everything is well coated with the creamy mix.
– Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
– Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of crispy fried onions for that extra crunch.
Baking
– Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be golden and bubbly.
– Once done, cool it briefly before slicing. Enjoy the delicious layers!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensure chicken is cooked and shredded properly. I like to use rotisserie chicken for ease.
– Cook pasta al dente for the best texture. This means it should be firm when bitten.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair with a side salad for a complete meal. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance.
– Offer breadsticks or garlic bread on the side. They are great for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Presentation Tips
– Garnish with chopped parsley for color. This makes the dish look fresh and appealing.
– Use colorful serving dishes. Bright colors enhance the meal and make it more inviting.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and shred it for this dish.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Add More Veggies: You can include other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to make this bake even healthier and colorful.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the cheese in this dish. Try using mozzarella or gouda for a new taste. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor. You can also swap ranch dressing with blue cheese or Italian dressing. This can give the dish a different twist that many will enjoy.
Add-Ins
Want to make it more colorful? Add in some vegetables! Bell peppers and spinach work well in this bake. They add color and nutrition. If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some cooked bacon. It adds a smoky flavor and makes it even tastier.
Dietary Modifications
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. This simple swap keeps the dish friendly for everyone. For those who need a dairy-free version, try dairy-free cream cheese. It blends well and keeps the dish creamy without the dairy.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Crack Chicken Penne Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. This way, you can enjoy that creamy goodness again!
Freezing Options
You can freeze either unbaked or baked portions of this dish for later. Just wrap it tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers. This makes it easy to pull out a meal on busy days. Make sure to label the containers with the date, so you know when to use them.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, do it gently in the oven. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth. This little trick brings back its moisture and flavor. Enjoy your meal as if it was freshly made!
FAQs
What is Crack Chicken Penne Bake?
Crack Chicken Penne Bake is a hearty and creamy dish. It combines pasta, chicken, and cheese. The main ingredients are:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup frozen broccoli florets (thawed)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This dish is rich in flavor and easy to make. You mix everything together and bake it. The result is a cheesy, comforting meal that your family will love.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Crack Chicken Penne Bake ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. You can bake it later when you are ready to eat. Just remember to bake it a bit longer if it is cold from the fridge. This makes meal prep easy, especially on busy nights.
How long does Crack Chicken Penne Bake last in the fridge?
Crack Chicken Penne Bake lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
In this post, we covered how to make Crack Chicken Penne Bake, a simple and tasty dish. You learned about the main ingredients, steps to cook, and tips for serving. This meal is easy to customize with different cheeses or veggies. Store leftovers well and enjoy them later. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing. With this recipe, you have a reliable meal option that will please everyone at the table. Get creative and make it your own! Enjoy your cooking adventur
Crack Chicken Penne Bake
A creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish with shredded chicken and broccoli.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup crispy fried onions, for topping
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather a large baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
Stir in the cooked penne pasta and thawed broccoli florets until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, pasta
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