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- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The main ingredients form the base of your Crack Chicken Pasta Bake. The penne pasta gives a great shape and texture. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Cream cheese brings creaminess, and cheddar cheese adds a delicious cheesy layer on top. - Frozen peas and carrots - Additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach) Adding frozen peas and carrots boosts nutrition and color. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. These add-ins make the dish even tastier and more vibrant. Feel free to get creative! - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Fresh parsley or chives Seasonings like garlic and onion powder enhance the flavor. They are simple but pack a punch! Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a lovely touch when you serve the dish. They also bring freshness to each bite. For the full recipe, check out the link above. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook your penne pasta until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain it well. I find that starting with a hot oven makes a big difference. It helps the dish cook evenly. Cooking the pasta to al dente means it stays firm when baked. This adds great texture to the dish. - In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, and chicken broth. - Whisk the mixture until it is smooth. The sauce is where the magic begins! Mixing cream cheese with ranch dressing gives a creamy and tangy flavor. The chicken broth helps to thin it down and make it pourable. Whisking ensures no lumps remain, so the sauce coats the pasta well. - Gently fold in the shredded chicken, pasta, and frozen peas and carrots. - Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake. When folding in the ingredients, be careful not to break the pasta. You want everything mixed nicely but still whole. After transferring to the baking dish, the cheese topping adds a delicious crust when baked. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! To get the best texture, cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When you bake it, the pasta will soften a bit more. Follow the package time closely, usually around 8-10 minutes. For even cheese melting, sprinkle the cheese evenly across the top. This helps it melt all at once. You can also cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt smoothly. Garnish your Crack Chicken Pasta Bake with finely chopped parsley or chives. This adds a fresh touch and makes it look nice. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal. The warm, buttery bread complements the creamy pasta well. You can also serve a simple salad on the side for some crunch. Adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, try adding more garlic powder. Using different cheese varieties can change the dish's flavor. Mozzarella gives a milder taste, while pepper jack adds a kick. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can easily make changes to fit your diet. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. It works just as well. You won’t lose any flavor or texture! If you're looking for a lighter dish, try low-fat cream cheese instead of regular. It keeps the creaminess while cutting some calories. For a vegan option, swap in vegan cream cheese. It gives the same rich taste without any dairy. Want to mix things up? You can add different seasonings. Italian herbs work great for an extra kick. Just sprinkle in some oregano or basil to give your dish a fresh twist. If you love meat, consider adding bacon or sausage. Cook them first and mix them in with the chicken. This adds a savory depth that your family will adore. You have options for cooking this dish. If you own an Instant Pot, you can make this bake in it. Just follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time. It will speed up the process and keep the flavors packed in. For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and cook on low for several hours. This method allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you prefer a stovetop version, you can cook the pasta and sauce in a large pot. Just mix everything together until warm and serve. It’s quicker and still delivers that comforting taste. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To store leftovers, let the pasta bake cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Place it in the fridge. It lasts about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat. To freeze the pasta bake, allow it to cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 25 minutes. This keeps the flavors strong and the texture nice. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry it out. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy dish. It blends pasta, chicken, and ranch flavor. The main ingredients are: - 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots This dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners. The creamy sauce binds all the flavors together. Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great choice! It saves time and effort. Pre-cooked chicken has great flavor and moisture. Just shred it and mix it in the bake. This cuts down on prep time, making the dish even easier to prepare. You can enjoy your meal sooner. Baking time for Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Look for a golden crust on top. This indicates it’s ready to eat! Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just assemble it and cover it tightly in the fridge. You can bake it later when you are ready to serve. This method is great for busy days. You can also freeze it for a later meal. Just make sure to thaw it before baking. This blog post explored making Crack Chicken Pasta Bake with simple ingredients and steps. You learned how to combine pasta, chicken, and cheese into a tasty dish. I shared tips for cooking and serving, along with variations to fit your taste. Remember, this recipe is easy to adapt for dietary needs and busy days. Whether you serve it fresh or save leftovers, this meal will please everyone. Enjoy making it your own!

Crack Chicken Pasta Bake

Savor the flavors of our Crack Chicken Pasta Bake, a creamy, cheesy dish that's perfect for any family dinner! With just a few simple ingredients like shredded chicken, pasta, and ranch dressing, this recipe comes together in no time. Dive into the rich, comforting taste and enjoy a satisfying meal. Ready to impress your loved ones? Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 pound (450g) cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking once we finish preparing the dish.

    Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

        Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the shredded chicken, the cooked pasta, and the frozen peas and carrots into the sauce mixture. Make sure to stir carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

            Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, ensuring that it covers the entire surface to create a delightful cheesy crust.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has turned a lovely golden brown color.

                Garnish and Serve: Once the bake is done, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: For an inviting presentation, serve individual portions in bowls, topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired. Pair with warm garlic bread on the side for a delicious complete meal!