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
Scale
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.
