Crack Chicken Pasta is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish that combines tender pasta with shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a perfect blend of ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. This meal is quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this delightful dish, provide answers to some common questions, and explore variations that you can try to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Pasta
Crack Chicken Pasta combines everything we love about comfort food in one dish. The creamy texture, rich flavor from the ranch dressing, melted cheese, and a hint of spice from Rotel tomatoes make this meal irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for leftovers that reheat well, this dish delivers.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make Crack Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini): You can use your preferred pasta shape, though penne and rotini work particularly well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup ranch dressing: Use your favorite brand, or make your own homemade version for a personalized touch.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The sharp flavor of cheddar complements the richness of the sauce.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained: These diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a little heat to the dish, balancing the creaminess.
- 1½ cups chicken broth: This adds flavor and helps create the creamy sauce.
- 1½ cups milk: The milk adds creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Turkey bacon is a leaner option than traditional bacon, but you can substitute it with pork bacon if preferred.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning the dish to your liking.
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (optional): For added freshness and a touch of color.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Use a large pot of salted boiling water, and cook the pasta until it reaches the desired al dente texture, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until it becomes crispy. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet that you used to cook the turkey bacon, add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, chicken broth, and milk. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes (with their juices), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Then, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Top with Bacon and Green Onions
Finally, top the Crack Chicken Pasta with the crumbled turkey bacon and sliced green onions, if using. The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the green onions bring a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve the Crack Chicken Pasta warm, and enjoy! This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
FAQs About Crack Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great choices because they hold the sauce well, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you’re using.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Crack Chicken Pasta is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze Crack Chicken Pasta?
Yes, this dish freezes well! To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a little extra milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I substitute ingredients?
Certainly! If you don’t have turkey bacon, you can use regular pork bacon or even omit it altogether for a lighter version. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to change up the flavor profile.
5. Is this dish spicy?
The Rotel tomatoes add a slight kick of heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a milder dish, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. On the other hand, if you love spice, you can add extra chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make Crack Chicken Pasta gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your ranch dressing and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with creamy cheese, savory bacon, and a hint of spice. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to suit your preferences, whether you want to make it spicier, lighter, or gluten-free. With minimal prep and cook time, this is a meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or on its own for a comforting, delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.