IRRESISTIBLE CRACK CHICKEN PENNE

Crack Chicken Penne: A culinary paradox or a symphony of flavor waiting to be unlocked? The question plagued me for weeks. The promise of creamy, cheesy, bacon-laden chicken and pasta was undeniably alluring, but could this viral sensation truly live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the science, the recipe, and the investigation that led me to what I believe is the ultimate Crack Chicken Penne recipe.

Decoding the Deliciousness: The Science Behind Crack Chicken Penne

The magic of Crack Chicken Penne lies in a carefully orchestrated combination of fat, salt, acid, and heat. The cream cheese provides a rich, velvety base, while the ranch dressing adds a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness. Bacon contributes both salt and smoky depth, and the cheddar cheese creates a gooey, comforting blanket over everything. The chicken, of course, is the protein backbone, but its role is enhanced by the supporting cast. The penne pasta provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up all those glorious flavors. Finally, the right temperature and cooking time ensure that all the components meld together harmoniously. If you’re looking for a recipe with a similar cheese profile and creamy sauce, but with slightly different flavor notes, I suggest checking out Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.

The Ultimate Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

This recipe has been meticulously tested and tweaked to achieve maximum flavor and texture. Prepare to be amazed!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. You can bake, boil, or grill it. Once cooked, shred it using two forks.
3. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Stir in the cooked penne pasta, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot.

The Investigation: My Quest for Crack Chicken Penne Perfection

My journey to perfect Crack Chicken Penne was not without its stumbles. Like many of you, I initially thought the recipe was straightforward – throw everything together and bake. My first few attempts were a disaster. The pasta was either overcooked or undercooked, the sauce was too thick or too thin, and the flavors were muddled and unbalanced.

The Pasta Predicament

One of the biggest challenges was getting the pasta right. I tried cooking it directly in the sauce, but it always ended up gummy and waterlogged. Then, I had an ‘Aha!’ moment: cook the pasta separately and add it to the sauce at the end. This simple change made a world of difference. I also discovered that cooking the pasta slightly al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture during baking. If you’re a fan of pasta and chicken combinations, you might enjoy Chicken Pasta, which features a simpler sauce and preparation method.

The Sauce Saga

The sauce was another area that required careful attention. Initially, I used pre-packaged ranch dressing, which was okay, but it lacked depth of flavor. I experimented with making my own ranch dressing from scratch, which significantly improved the taste. However, it added extra time and effort. I ultimately settled on a high-quality store-bought ranch dressing and supplemented it with garlic and onion powder to boost the flavor profile. I found that using full-fat cream cheese is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture. Lower-fat versions tend to be too thin and watery. For a different take on creamy chicken pasta, consider trying Chicken Spinach Penne.

The Chicken Conundrum

The chicken preparation also played a significant role. Initially, I used pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which was convenient, but the flavor was bland. I found that cooking the chicken myself, either by baking or grilling, resulted in a much more flavorful dish. I also experimented with different shredding techniques. Using two forks worked well, but I found that using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment made the process much faster and easier. For a spicier chicken pasta option, you might be interested in Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini.

Bacon Bliss

Bacon… well, you can’t really go wrong with bacon, can you? I tried both thick-cut and regular bacon, and I found that thick-cut bacon provided a more satisfying smoky flavor and crispy texture. I also experimented with different cooking methods. Baking the bacon in the oven was the easiest and least messy option.

The Technique: How to Make Foolproof Crack Chicken Penne

After numerous experiments and tweaks, I’ve distilled the process down to a simple, foolproof method:

1. Cook the pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the penne pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
2. Prepare the chicken: Cook and shred the chicken yourself for maximum flavor.
3. Create the creamy base: Combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful and smooth sauce.
4. Assemble the dish: Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cream cheese mixture, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot.

With this technique, you can consistently create a Crack Chicken Penne dish that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re craving more creamy chicken and pasta deliciousness, you should definitely check out Tuscan Chicken Pasta!