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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

A rich and comforting creamy crack chicken pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar. This one-pot meal is easy to make and delivers a homemade taste that rivals your favorite takeout.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized chunks (can use dark meat)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (can substitute Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt)
  • 6 oz Bacon (can use turkey bacon)
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (can blend in white cheddar)

Pasta & Broth

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

Seasoning & Herbs

  • 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
  • 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 to 10 minutes until it is crispy, then remove some bacon fat if desired, leaving enough to cook the chicken.
  2. Add and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and add them to the same pot with the bacon fat. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through and starts to brown slightly.
  3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta, making sure it is mixed well with the chicken and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth, raise the heat, and bring everything to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every 4 to 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  6. Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add the cream cheese in cubes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and combines into a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
  7. Combine Bacon and Cheddar: Mix the crispy bacon pieces back into the pot along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheddar melts and integrates into the sauce.
  8. Melt Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle some additional cheddar over the pasta and either heat on low until melted or briefly broil in the oven, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy crack chicken pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne with any other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
  • If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley works well, but use about half the amount.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
  • Adjust the ranch seasoning amount depending on your taste preference and the saltiness of the bacon and broth.
  • Broiling the cheese topping is optional but adds a nice bubbly, golden finish.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crack chicken pasta, bacon pasta, one pot pasta, ranch seasoning pasta, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-thats-better-than-takeout-recipe/