Crack Chicken Penne
A one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and creamy cheese blended with zesty ranch seasoning, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingrédients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup cream cheese Let sit at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium options are available.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix A great way to enhance flavor; homemade version possible.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped For garnish and added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients: penne pasta, cooked chicken, cream cheese, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and green onions.
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, combine cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning over medium heat. Stir frequently until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring well to coat it in the ranch cream sauce. Warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the pot and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is fully covered in the sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more ranch seasoning or salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
To store, cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. For reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.