The Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of the most comforting dishes you can make at home. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This pasta is a mix of tender chicken, melted cheese, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon.
Everything blends together to create a rich and delicious meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights because it cooks fast and uses simple ingredients. Many families love it because it is warm, filling, and very satisfying.
In this post, you will learn how to make Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta in easy steps. You will also discover helpful tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Get ready to enjoy a cozy and flavorful bowl of pasta that everyone will love.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this tasty dish is the mix of flavors in the sauce. Cream cheese makes the sauce thick and smooth. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and rich taste. Ranch seasoning gives the dish a special savory flavor.
Bacon adds salty crunch that makes every bite exciting. The pasta absorbs all the sauce and becomes extra yummy.
The chicken stays tender and juicy inside the creamy mix. All these ingredients create the perfect comfort food. That is why people call it “crack chicken,” because it is so hard to stop eating.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Deep skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Strainer
Ingredients You Need for Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta
Here are the ingredients for Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 10 ounces pasta (any shape you like)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until soft. Drain well and set aside. - Melt the butter
Heat butter in a large pan. Let it melt fully and spread across the bottom. - Add the chicken
Add cooked, shredded chicken to the pan. Stir gently until the chicken warms evenly. - Add the seasonings
Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. - Add the broth
Pour in the chicken broth slowly. Stir and let it warm for one minute to blend flavors. - Add the milk
Pour in the milk. Stir gently until you see small bubbles forming in the sauce. - Add the cream cheese
Add cream cheese cubes. Stir until the cream cheese melts and makes the sauce smooth. - Add the cheddar cheese
Add the shredded cheddar and mix well. The sauce becomes thicker and extra cheesy. - Add the mozzarella
Stir in the mozzarella until fully melted. The sauce should be creamy and stretchy. - Add the pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece with creamy sauce. - Add the bacon
Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top. Mix some in the pasta and save some for garnish. - Final touches
Turn off the heat. Add green onions on top for color and fresh flavor.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster cooking.
- Add spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy spicy food.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra texture.
- Stir in a little pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This pasta tastes great on its own, but you can also add sides. Serve it with garlic bread for a warm and crispy match. A fresh green salad also balances the rich and creamy pasta. You can pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
Add extra parmesan on top for even more cheesy flavor. Serve it in bowls to keep it warm longer. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken, but that is normal. Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat. Add a little milk or broth to make the sauce smooth again.
You can also reheat it in the microwave. Heat in small intervals and stir between each one. Avoid freezing the dish because cream cheese may change texture.
FAQs about Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken, but cook it first before adding it to the sauce. Cut it into small pieces so it cooks faster. Make sure it turns golden and fully cooked. Then follow the remaining steps as written.
2. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can skip the bacon if you want a lighter dish. The pasta will still taste creamy and flavorful. You can add extra cheese or herbs to replace the flavor. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon also works.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, and shells hold the sauce nicely. Longer pasta like fettuccine also tastes great. Choose your favorite shape for the best experience.
4. How do I make the pasta saucier?
Add more milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir slowly until the sauce reaches the texture you like. You can also add a little pasta water, which makes the sauce smoother.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or spicy cheese. Pepper jack melts well and adds great heat. Adjust the spice level based on your taste.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe is creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavors. You now know how to make Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta with simple steps and easy ingredients.
The creamy sauce, melted cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon create an amazing meal. This dish is perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy evenings at home. Try different variations to make it your own. Enjoy every warm and delicious bite of this wonderful pasta dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 10 ounces pasta any shape you like
- 6 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for topping
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Boil water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until soft. Drain well and set aside.
Melt the butter
- Heat butter in a large pan. Let it melt fully and spread across the bottom.
Add the chicken
- Add cooked, shredded chicken to the pan. Stir gently until the chicken warms evenly.
Add the seasonings
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken.
Add the broth
- Pour in the chicken broth slowly. Stir and let it warm for one minute to blend flavors.
Add the milk
- Pour in the milk. Stir gently until you see small bubbles forming in the sauce.
Add the cream cheese
- Add cream cheese cubes. Stir until the cream cheese melts and makes the sauce smooth.
Add the cheddar cheese
- Add the shredded cheddar and mix well. The sauce becomes thicker and extra cheesy.
Add the mozzarella
- Stir in the mozzarella until fully melted. The sauce should be creamy and stretchy.
Add the pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece with creamy sauce.
Add the bacon
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top. Mix some in the pasta and save some for garnish.
Final touches
- Turn off the heat. Add green onions on top for color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster cooking.
- Add spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy spicy food.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra texture.
- Stir in a little pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.