Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil for 2–3 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
