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Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning. It’s a quick and simple meal ideal for cozy weeknights that the whole family will love, with versatile options to customize according to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked al dente

Sauce

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup milk or chicken broth (to thin sauce if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Extras

  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet or a separate pan, soften the cream cheese over low heat. Add the ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and a splash of milk or chicken broth. Stir frequently to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Mix in the crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
  5. Final Touches: Heat the entire mixture through until warm and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded chicken for better sauce integration.
  • Do not overcook pasta to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Melt cream cheese slowly on low heat to avoid lumps.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Add bacon bits at the end to keep them crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crack Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, ranch chicken recipe