Description
Baked Crack Chicken Penne is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake that combines the flavors of “crack chicken” with hearty penne pasta, making it a comforting family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 2 chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
4. Add the cooked, shredded chicken, bacon bits, and chopped green onions to the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the creamy chicken mixture until well-coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder to the cream cheese mixture.
If you like spice, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
You can swap penne pasta for cavatappi or rigatoni for a fun twist.
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 37
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 31
- Cholesterol: 100