Print

Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Print Recipe

This Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is a quick and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and savory ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich, gooey flavors inspired by the popular crack chicken dip, creating a family-friendly, satisfying meal that can be easily customized to your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)

Dairy & Dairy Alternatives

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

Add-Ins & Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup bacon bits or crumbled crispy bacon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly by pan-searing or baking until no longer pink inside. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, then set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the cream cheese with a splash of milk or heavy cream. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix to infuse flavor, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
  5. Add Bacon and Garnish: Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch and sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use warm chicken to shred easily, or cook chicken in a slow cooker for tender results.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture holds better when mixed with sauce.
  • Soften cream cheese beforehand to make a smoother, lump-free sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • For best texture and flavor, use fresh, crispy bacon instead of pre-packaged bacon bits.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, ranch seasoning, shredded chicken, bacon pasta, cheesy pasta

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