Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s even better than takeout.

Ingredients

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

• For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or Neufchâtel cheese.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap penne for rotini or fusilli to better hold the creamy sauce.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense garlic taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, and check the ranch seasoning for any dairy ingredients.

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce with penne pasta. Easy to prepare and better than takeout, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins

• 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 6 oz Bacon (can use turkey bacon)

Pasta & Grains

• 8 oz Penne Pasta (can swap for any short pasta)

Dairy

• 8 oz Cream Cheese (can substitute Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (can blend in white cheddar)

Liquids & Broth

• 2 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or store-bought)

Seasonings & 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)

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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: Add the bite-sized chicken breast chunks to the same pot with the bacon. 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 to let the flavors meld.
4. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the penne pasta followed by pouring in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften the pasta.
5. Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 4–5 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the cream cheese in cubes and stir continuously until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Then mix in the crispy bacon and cheddar cheese until fully combined.
7. Melt Additional Cheese: Top the pasta with extra cheddar cheese and heat on low or use the broiler for a short time until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute penne pasta with any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
• For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
• Home-made ranch seasoning can be used to control salt content.
• To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• Frozen parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
• Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, bacon ranch pasta, comfort food, one pot pasta