If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly and will have everyone asking for seconds, this Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and smoky bacon, it’s an irresistible one-pan wonder that transforms simple pantry staples into a vibrant weeknight favorite. The smooth ranch seasoning and gooey cheese meld beautifully with perfectly cooked penne pasta, making each bite a cozy hug on a plate. Trust me, once you dive into this dish, it will become a go-to comfort meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of essential ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy cheeses that give richness, to the ranch seasoning that adds a zesty punch, to the crispy bacon that brings a delightful crunch and smoky undertone.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender protein that’s easy to cook evenly.
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked): The ridged tubes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring delicious bites every time.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: This adds velvety smoothness and depth, helping create that signature creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar delivers a sharp, melty cheese goodness that balances the softness of the cream cheese.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning: Ranch mix is the magic touch, giving the dish its signature tangy, savory flavor profile.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Crispy bacon adds irresistible smoky flavor and texture contrasts.
- 2 cups chicken broth: A flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and sauce with savory depth.
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream: You can choose milk for lighter creaminess or heavy cream for extra indulgence and richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a bit of richness in the pan.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for well-rounded flavor. Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s cooked through and boasts a lovely golden crust. After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce and pasta. This step ensures your chicken remains juicy and perfectly tender in the final dish.
Step 2: Simmer the Pasta
Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the simmering liquid. Cook uncovered for about 12 to 14 minutes, stirring every now and then so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. This method cooks the pasta right in the sauce mixture, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, ranch seasoning packet, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until all the cheeses melt into a delightfully creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. This step is where everything transforms from simple ingredients into that luscious, cheesy goodness we all crave.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Bacon
Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the crumbled crispy bacon. Stir everything together, allowing the chicken and bacon to warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. These smoky pieces should be well coated in the creamy sauce, infusing the dish with amazing flavor and texture contrasts.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you want to add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley before serving. This not only adds a splash of color but also a hint of herbal brightness that complements the richness beautifully. Serve your Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe warm and prepare for plenty of smiles around the dinner table.
How to Serve Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, bringing a lovely color contrast and a mild herbal note that lifts the richness. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits on top for an even heartier presentation. A light dusting of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you love a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
Because this pasta dish is rich and filling, pair it with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed sautéed veggies like broccoli or green beans complements the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little flair, serve the pasta in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table—this keeps everything warm and looks inviting. You can also present the pasta stuffed inside halved bell peppers or bake it with an extra cheese layer on top for a bubbly, golden finish. Turning this recipe into a casserole is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or prepare ahead.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just give it a stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To protect the creamy sauce from separating, cool it completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help restore creaminess if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Avoid high temperatures to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and remains tender. Cooking it straight from frozen might result in uneven texture and longer cooking times.
What can I substitute for the ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can use a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor profile, though the ranch packet does add a distinctive zest.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely. Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese or opt for low-fat cheese varieties. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase volume without adding too much fat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the brand and type of gluten-free pasta you choose.
How can I add more veggies to this recipe?
Add quick-cooking vegetables like peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the simmering step so they become tender yet retain some bite. Alternatively, serve it alongside a crunchy vegetable salad for extra freshness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying dish to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe hits every note perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Easy 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
This Easy Crack Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and savory bacon into a comforting one-pan meal. With a rich ranch seasoning sauce and quick stovetop method, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
Toppings & Garnish
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and sear chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook pasta in broth mixture: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and milk or heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–14 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Create creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, ranch seasoning packet, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses have melted, forming a creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Combine chicken and bacon: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the crumbled cooked bacon. Stir everything gently to combine and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired. Serve the creamy crack chicken pasta warm and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breast for juicier meat.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much.
