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Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
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A creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken, melted cheddar, cream cheese, and smoky bacon bits tossed with penne or rotini pasta. This quick and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups chicken breasts or thighs, cubed or shredded
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Dairy

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta used. Drain and set aside to keep the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season cubed or shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning mix. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add cream cheese and chicken broth over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, bacon bits, and chopped green onions to the creamy cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions, cheddar cheese, or crispy bacon for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded chicken to better absorb the sauce and improve texture.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness in the final dish.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier melting and smooth sauce.
  • Add bacon bits at the last minute before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Opt for full-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese for the creamiest sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, penne pasta recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/crack-chicken-pasta-recipe/