Print

Cheesy Crack Chicken Pasta Bake for Cozy Weeknights

✅ Quick Prep – It takes just 15–20 minutes to assemble before it hits the oven Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is an irresistible comfort food dish featuring tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese baked together with perfectly cooked pasta. This cheesy casserole is loaded with bold flavors and a luscious texture that makes it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Quick to assemble and satisfying to eat, it offers a delicious upgrade on classic crack chicken flavors combined with hearty pasta for a complete meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great!)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)

Cheese and Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 ½ cups milk

Seasonings and Extras

  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup sautéed onions (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain the pasta and set aside, ensuring it is slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  2. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat until warm and bubbly, then remove from heat. For added richness, you may add a small pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream if desired.
  3. Combine the Chicken & Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken with the warm ranch cheese sauce. If using, fold in the sautéed onions at this stage. Gently stir in the cooked pasta, coating everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
  4. Layer It in a Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken pasta mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crispy bacon crumbles.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling: Add the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the bacon and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the bake hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy comfort.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese ahead of time to ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it should remain slightly firm before baking to avoid mushiness.
  • Crisp bacon well before adding to maintain texture in the sauce.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for optimal melt and creaminess.
  • Let the bake rest after removing from the oven to allow sauce to thicken and cling to every bite.
  • Customize by adding jalapeños, broccoli, or swapping pasta for cauliflower for dietary preferences.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crack Chicken Pasta Bake, Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Ranch Chicken Pasta, Bacon Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Family Meal

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/quick-prep-it-takes-just-1520-minutes-to-assemble-before-it-hits-the-oven-recipe/