Crack Chicken Pasta is that creamy, comforting, meal that is crave-worthy. This recipe has so much flavor due to the crispy bacon, the pop of ranch seasoning and the cheesy sauce.
This Crack Chicken recipe has it all. It is so rich, creamy and satisfying. Plus if you add a vegetable either in it or on the side, you will be in heaven.
If you love quick and easy comfort foods, check these recipes out.
MORE CHICKEN AND PASTA RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad | Chicken Spaghetti Casserole| Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken
What makes this recipe great? It is that meal that you want that hits all the right buttons. It is creamy, savory, carby perfection. This recipe owes some of it’s creaminess to cream cheese. Find out more here.
- 30 Minute Meal: This recipe comes together quick for a busy weeknight.
- Easy Ingredients: All easy ingredients and add a great prep meal.
- Family Friendly: this is so creamy and good kids love it.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb or reduced calorie
- Make it Many Ways: Try cooking in the instant pot or slow cooker.
What You Need to Make Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Bacon
- Chicken
- Pasta
- Ranch Seasoning
Equipment
How to Make Crack Chicken Pasta- Step by Step
- Bacon: First, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon then remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Chicken: Second, season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot bacon grease and cook until done and remove. Meanwhile cook pasta following directions. Drain.
- Sauce: Next, wipe out the skillet and add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir as the cream cheese melts. Add a bit more broth or milk to achieve a smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Season with ranch seasoning, to taste.
- Combine: Then, chop the bacon and add all but a couple tablespoons to the skillet, along with 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and chicken. Stir to combine and next, add the pasta and stir to coat.
- Finish: Finally, sprinkle on remaining cheese, bacon and the green onions before serving.
Common Questions About Crack Chicken
Because it is so addictively good.
Indeed, seafood would be great! Try shrimp, crab or lobster.
Of course, however sometimes that does change the consistency or texture, use an airtight container for up to three months.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Really it is best to invest in a meat thermometer.
It is easy to make components ahead of time and assemble later. Use leftover or precooked chicken and pre cook your pasta and bacon and hen store in the fridge until you are ready to assemble.
Expert Tips for Making Chicken Recipe
- Add Vegetales: Spring peas, spinach, broccoli or mushroom really add a kick.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or pre cooked meat.
- Variation tip: Cheeses. Try a parmesan or your other favorite cheese.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Feel free to use your crock pot or instant pot. They make this crack chicken pasta so easy, saute your bacon and then dump it all including uncooked pasta and cook.
- Dietary consideration tip: Use protein or gluten free pasta, lighten up the recipe with reduced fat dairy or fat free versions.
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Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 5 slices Bacon
- 3 cups Chicken, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 3 cups Cooked Pasta, Bowtie/Farfalle
- 1 Tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
- 4-8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Milk, as desired (optional)
- 1-2 cups Chicken Broth, as needed
- 5 slices Bacon, Cooked and Chopped
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Green Onion, sliced thin
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon to your preferred level of doneness.
- Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot bacon grease and cook until browned all over and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (approximately 6-8 minutes).
- Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.
- Remove the chicken to a clean plate as you prepare the ranch sauce.
- Wipe out the skillet and add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir as the cream cheese melts. Add a bit more broth or milk to achieve a smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Season with ranch seasoning, to taste.
- Chop the bacon and add all but a couple tablespoons to the skillet, along with 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and chicken. Stir to combine.
- Add the pasta and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle on remaining cheese, bacon and the green onions before serving.
Expert Tips
- Add Vegetales: Spring peas, broccoli or mushroom really add a kick.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or pre cooked meat.
- Variation tip: Mix up your cheeses. Try a parmesan or your other favorite cheese.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Feel free to use your crock pot or instant pot. They make this recipe so easy, saute your bacon and then dump it all including uncooked pasta and cook.
- Dietary consideration tip: Use protein or gluten free pasta, lighten up the recipe with reduced fat dairy or fat free versions.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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I’m already looking forward to making this pasta again. The whole family loved it.
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing crack chicken pasta recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!