Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
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.