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Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
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This Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup and versatile customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup milk or chicken broth (warm)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, ensuring the pasta is perfectly tender to absorb the sauce later.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side based on thickness. Remove from heat and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Lower heat and stir in the cream cheese and warm milk or chicken broth, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add ranch seasoning mix and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is velvety.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add cooked pasta and bacon bits, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and allow the cheese to melt completely.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with chopped green onions for freshness and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors.

Notes

  • Use warm milk or broth to help cream cheese blend smoothly for a silky sauce without lumps.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Save some pasta cooking water and add a splash if the sauce is too thick; the starch helps bind it to the pasta.
  • Cook pasta al dente so it retains texture when mixed with the sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich depth and balanced creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, quick dinner, one-pot pasta, family-friendly meal

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