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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Bake

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This creamy crack chicken pasta bake combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, pasta, and a luscious ranch-flavored cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works)
  • 12 ounces penne, rotini, or rigatoni pasta
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 ounce (about 3 tablespoons) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2–3 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or spinach
  • Optional: Dash of hot sauce
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
  4. In the same skillet (leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat), add cream cheese and milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Whisk in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Stir in cooked chicken and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat in sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
  9. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and top is golden.
  10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Don’t overbake or the pasta may become mushy. You can prep the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Use gluten-free pasta and ranch mix for a GF version. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken, pasta bake, creamy casserole, family dinner, chicken bacon ranch, comfort food, easy pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/