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Crack Chicken Pasta

Crack Chicken Pasta

Crack Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness for a delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • large sauté pan or cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 strips frozen bacon
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
  • 8 ounces dry penne pasta (½ box)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet set over medium heat, cook the frozen bacon. When crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and add the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown.
  • Sprinkle the ranch mix over the chicken and stir to coat.
  • Add the pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is just past al dente. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove the lid and add the cream cheese. Stir until it has melted and becomes a creamy sauce.
  • Add the bacon crumbles and 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Stir until well combined and melted.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and cover with the lid for about 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt. Serve garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

You can use leftover cubed or shredded chicken instead. Skip steps 2 and 3, and add the ranch mix with the pasta in step 4. Stir in the cooked chicken once the pasta is cooked. Continue with the recipe as written. Penne is my preferred pasta for this crack chicken, but any short pasta shape will work.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bacon pasta, Cheesy Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Crack Chicken Pasta, easy recipe, quick dinner
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