Print

Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe with Bacon and Ranch

creamy crack chicken pasta bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta bake loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or penne pasta (gluten-free options work too)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce or 28g) ranch dressing mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop roughly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 packet ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked shredded chicken and chopped bacon to the sauce mixture. Fold in the drained pasta and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle an extra ½ cup shredded cheese over the surface.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Keep bacon crispy for best texture. Soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Add extra milk if sauce is too thick before baking. Leftovers reheat best in oven covered with foil to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-with-bacon-and-ranch-easy-and-delicious/