If you’ve been hunting for a dish that delivers hearty comfort, vibrant flavor, and a twist of indulgence, you’re going to adore this Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe. This meal combines juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and luscious cheeses all tossed up with tender penne in a sauce so rich and creamy it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, it embodies everything you want in a fuss-free, crave-worthy meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying textures. From the crispy bacon adding smoky depth, to the tangy ranch seasoning giving an instant flavor boost, every component is carefully considered to elevate this dish.
- Bacon (6 slices): Crisp it well to add a salty crunch and smoky richness to the pasta.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
- Ranch seasoning (1.25 oz): The secret flavor bomb — using a good quality ranch mix is key for that signature tang and herbiness.
- Penne pasta (8 oz): The perfect pasta shape for catching all that creamy sauce in every bite.
- Chicken broth (3.5 cups): Adds moisture and a savory base to build the sauce’s depth without overpowering it.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Melts into the sauce for that incredibly smooth and creamy texture that binds everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp, melty cheese brings richness and a wonderful golden finish on top.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp): Brightens the dish with a pop of green and fresh herb flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning blend.
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Chicken
Start by frying the 6 slices of bacon in a large skillet until they are wonderfully crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan. Next, season your chicken breasts lightly and cook them in the same skillet until golden and cooked through, benefiting from the smoky bacon flavor left behind. Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing later.
Step 2: Prepare the Penne Pasta
While the bacon and chicken cook, boil your 8 ounces of penne pasta in salted water until al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to perfectly hold the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
In the skillet with the bacon drippings, pour in the 3.5 cups of chicken broth and bring it up to a simmer. Add the ranch seasoning and garlic powder, stirring until fully combined to infuse the broth with those signature flavors. Then, lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the broth, forming a luscious base for your sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese
Return the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet and mix gently. Toss in the drained penne and stir to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt just enough to create pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish without becoming greasy or separating.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve Warm
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and a fresh finish. This final touch elevates the dish with a mild herbaceous note that cuts through the richness delightfully.
How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous dusting of freshly chopped parsley is a classic and gives the dish an inviting pop of green. For an added touch, a little cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar can make it look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, crunchy sides provide a perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy feel or in bright bowls that bring out the golden-cheese hues. For a fun twist, use hollowed-out bell peppers to hold individual servings—you get an edible bowl packed with flavor and a splash of color on your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers taste just as good if not better.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but the cream cheese sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the components separately if possible—cooked chicken and bacon on their own, pasta in another container—and combine when reheating for a fresher texture.
Reheating
Warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems thick. Stir often to bring back the creamy consistency without drying out or burning the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because of its sauce-catching shape, you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or even shells—just choose a short pasta that holds sauce well.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the dish, swap full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat version and use part-skim cheddar. You can also add steamed vegetables to increase volume without adding calories.
Can I prepare this recipe without bacon?
Yes, if you prefer to omit bacon, you can still achieve flavorful results by using smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke in the sauce to replicate that smoky depth.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
If ranch seasoning isn’t on hand, you can mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper to mimic similar flavors.
How spicy is the Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild and creamy, focused on savory and cheesy notes rather than spiciness. You can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a champion, this Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe would definitely be a top contender. It’s simple to make but packs a powerful punch of creamy, cheesy goodness that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re craving a family dinner or something to wow your guests, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for those happy “Mmm” moments all around the table!
Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, smoky bacon, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and melted cheddar cheese combined with penne pasta for a hearty meal that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 lb chicken breast
Seasonings and Spices
- 1.25 oz ranch seasoning (e.g. Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Herbs
- 1 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the bacon grease. Season with garlic powder and cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken, then pour in 3.5 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta and Cream Cheese: Add the 8 oz of penne pasta to the skillet and stir well. Cut the 4 oz of cream cheese into chunks and add to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheddar and Bacon: Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for a creamy, cheesy pasta dish bursting with flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly chopped parsley as garnish.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
- Adjust ranch seasoning quantity to taste or use a low sodium version if preferred.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
