Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

crack chicken pasta in a cast iron skillet

4.44 from 99 votes

Hearty and creamy Crack Chicken Pasta is totally addictive! Made with bacon, chicken, a variety of cheeses, and penne, there is so much to love about this skillet chicken pasta recipe.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 505kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

4 strips 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
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes:

grated parmesan cheese
fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon. When crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4 strips bacon
Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and add the chicken.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown.
Sprinkle the ranch mix over the chicken and stir to coat.
1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
Add the pasta.
8 ounces dry penne pasta
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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.
4 ounces cream cheese
Add the bacon crumbles and 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Stir until well combined and melted.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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.
grated parmesan cheese
Serve garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
fresh parsley

Video

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.

Tips:

I prefer to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe because it holds everything well, and distributes heat evenly for perfect cooking.
The bacon can be cooked ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and added to the pasta as instructed.
Add a second packet of ranch seasoning if you want to intensify the flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken in step 2. About 3 minutes should be enough time. It will finish cooking throughout the next steps of the recipe.
Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.

Storage: Store leftover crack chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition