Get ready to experience the most addictive pasta dish that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is not just another dinner recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon bits. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish is so delicious it earned its name from how absolutely "addictive" it is. Prepare to become the culinary hero of your household with this mind-blowing recipe that takes comfort food to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated with the ranch seasoning.
- Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and stir until the pasta is thoroughly mixed in.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of bacon bits, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions into the mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken Pasta Bake!
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
- For maximum creaminess, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Feel free to customize by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking to get a golden, crunchy cheese crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a low-carb version, substitute pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Fresh green onions as a garnish can add a bright, fresh flavor to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
