Why make this recipe
Easy Crack Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a delicious experience. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese with pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser at dinners. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Plus, the recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal taste. It’s an ideal choice for families or anyone looking for comfort food that is both satisfying and simple to make.
How to make Easy Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the same skillet using bacon drippings, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and milk to the skillet, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt completely into the sauce.
- Add the crumbled bacon and cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
How to serve Easy Crack Chicken Pasta
Serve this pasta dish hot for the best flavor. You can add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun presentation, consider serving it in individual bowls and topping each bowl with extra cheese or parsley. Everyone will enjoy digging into this creamy and savory dish.
How to store Easy Crack Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of milk to restore some creaminess.
Tips to make Easy Crack Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- For added flavor, you can use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Don’t skip the bacon, as it adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Feel free to adjust the ranch seasoning to match your taste preference.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the mix. These not only add color but also nutrition. Another option is to use different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for a unique presentation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked through before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy at all since it mainly uses ranch seasoning. If you prefer some heat, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Easy Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the same skillet using bacon drippings, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and milk to the skillet, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt completely into the sauce.
- Add the crumbled bacon and cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.