Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s better than takeout. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it comes together easily in one pot. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta (can substitute any short pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 lb chicken breast (dark meat can be used)
• 8 oz cream cheese (or Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt)
• 1 package ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
• 6 oz bacon (turkey bacon is an option)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (white cheddar can be blended in)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until it’s crispy.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and add them to the same pot. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until mostly cooked through.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil for 2–3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 4–5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, add the cream cheese in cubes and stir until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Mix in the bacon and cheddar cheese.
7. Step 7: Top with additional cheddar cheese and heat on low or broil until melted.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more chicken broth during cooking if it becomes too thick.
• For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt, but add it at the end to prevent curdling.
• Try adding chopped green onions or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner protein.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

You can use a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives or use a store-bought ranch seasoning packet for convenience.

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich creamy sauce made from cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. This one-pot meal is better than takeout and perfect for a cozy dinner with easy prep and a deliciously cheesy finish.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta Base

• 8 oz Penne Pasta (can swap for any short pasta)
• 2 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or store-bought)

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (can use dark meat)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (can substitute Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt)
• 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)

For the Finish

• 6 oz Bacon (can use turkey bacon)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (can blend in white cheddar)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (can use dried if fresh is unavailable)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until it’s crispy.
2. Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and add them to the same pot. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until mostly cooked through.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
4. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil for 2–3 minutes.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 4–5 minutes until the pasta is tender.
6. Add Cream Cheese and Cheese: Once cooked, add the cream cheese in cubes and stir until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Mix in the bacon and cheddar cheese.
7. Finish and Garnish: Top with additional cheddar cheese and heat on low or broil until melted. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more chicken broth as needed during cooking for a creamier or thinner sauce.
• For a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon and use low-fat cream cheese.
• Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crack chicken recipe, one pot pasta, bacon pasta recipe, ranch chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta