Crack Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. You’ll want seconds (and probably thirds).
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
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Why You'll Love This Pasta
You’re going to love Crack Chicken Pasta because it’s one of those recipes that hits all the right notes—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
The combo of tender pasta, juicy chicken, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon is downright addictive (hence the name!).
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Plus, it all comes together in one pot, which means way less cleanup. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Hearty Pasta (like penne or cavatappi): These shapes hold up well to the rich, creamy sauce and help soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy shortcut that adds juicy, seasoned chicken without any extra cooking.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the same pot.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes the sauce extra creamy and gives it a comforting, savory base.
- Cream Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a smooth, rich texture with a slight tang.
- Ranch Dressing Packet: The key to that signature “crack” flavor—zesty, herby, and totally addictive.
- Bacon Crumbles: Salty, smoky bits that add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish for gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
[Step 1] Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While that is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and ranch seasoning then continue to stir until melted.
[Step 2] Stir in the shredded chicken, 2 cups of shredded cheese and ¼ cup of bacon crumbles. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted.
[Step 3] Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat the noodles.
[Step 4] Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Serve.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover Crack Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce as it reheats—it’ll bring back that creamy texture like it’s fresh off the stove.
Crack Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Pasta
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken shredded
- 10.5 Ounces Cream of Chicken Soup
- 14.5 Ounces Chicken Broth
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 Packet Ranch Seasoning
- 3 Cups Cheddar Cheese shredded, divided
- ½ Cup Bacon Crumbles divided
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While that is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning and continue to stir until melted.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, 2 cups of shredded cheese and ¼ cup of bacon crumbles. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat the noodles.
- Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Serve.
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