Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows Everyone

Crackling with flavor, this crock pot crack chicken pasta blends comfort and convenience into one irresistible dish.

Slow cookers unlock magical culinary potential for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Cheesy, creamy textures meld perfectly with tender chicken and hearty pasta.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal that demands seconds.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction when dinner emerges from your trusty appliance.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a stress-free experience with this remarkable recipe.

We promise this meal will become an instant favorite that everyone around the table will devour.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Magic

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot without complex cooking techniques, making dinner a breeze for busy families and home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, this dish guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single pot that handles everything from cooking chicken to creating a complete, satisfying meal without multiple pans.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and serves a hungry crowd.

Ingredients Needed for Crack Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that provides a tender and juicy base for the creamy pasta dish.

• Ranch Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These spices add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and smooth texture that makes the sauce extra creamy and indulgent.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps to create a luscious sauce and cook the pasta in the crock pot.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

• Bacon: Provides a salty and crunchy element that complements the creamy chicken pasta.

• Green Onions: Offers a fresh and mild onion flavor that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the dish.

• Uncooked Pasta: Absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes tender during the slow cooking process.

Step-by-Step Crack Chicken Pasta Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Nestle cubed cream cheese on top and gently pour chicken broth around the chicken.

Step 2: Slow Transformation

Cover and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender and falls apart effortlessly.

Step 3: Shred and Blend

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly within the crock pot. Stir thoroughly to create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every morsel.

Step 4: Pasta Immersion

Add uncooked pasta and pour in milk or heavy cream. Ensure pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.

Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Cheesy Bacon Finale

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Stir until cheese melts completely and ingredients intertwine beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter chopped green onions across the top. Serve piping hot and savor every creamy, cheesy bite.

Pro Tips to Nail Crack Chicken Pasta

• Always use chicken breasts with some fat content to keep the meat moist during long slow cooking.
• Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Sauté bacon before adding to the dish for a richer, more intense smoky taste.
• Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Substitute cream cheese and milk with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version.

Variations on Crack Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace ranch seasoning with taco or chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap ranch seasoning for Italian herbs, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Buffalo Chicken Blast: Substitute ranch with buffalo sauce, use blue cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle extra hot sauce on top for heat lovers.
• Pesto Chicken Fusion: Replace ranch seasoning with basil pesto, use mozzarella cheese, and stir in some cherry tomatoes for a fresh, herbaceous flavor profile.

Pairings That Go with Crack Chicken Pasta

• Flavor Fusion Companions: Crisp Chardonnay perfectly balances the rich, creamy chicken pasta with its bright acidity and subtle buttery notes.
• Refreshing Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh contrast.
• Crunchy Texture Enhancer: Serve garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices alongside the pasta to add extra crunch and soak up the delicious sauce.
• Wine Alternative Pairing: Opt for a cold, hoppy IPA beer that complements the bacon's smoky flavor and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage Advice for Crack Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing bacon for best texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Why use ranch seasoning in this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and creates a rich, savory base for the creamy sauce.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides a richer texture, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work great because they hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in the crock pot.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy crack chicken pasta delivers irresistible comfort straight from your slow cooker, blending tender chicken, rich cheese, and zesty ranch. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk or heavy cream

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base layer by nestling chicken breasts into the crock pot, evenly distributing ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder across the surface.
2. Strategically place cubed cream cheese on top of the seasoned chicken and gently pour chicken broth around the meat to create a flavorful cooking environment.
3. Secure the lid and allow the chicken to slow cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, ensuring the meat becomes supremely tender and fully cooked.
4. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken directly within the crock pot, thoroughly integrating the meat with the developing creamy sauce.
5. Introduce uncooked pasta and pour milk or heavy cream over the mixture, ensuring complete liquid submersion, then cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
6. When pasta reaches optimal tenderness, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and ingredients blend harmoniously.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a vibrant garnish before serving the rich, creamy pasta piping hot.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by adjusting ranch mix quantity for more intense or milder flavor profiles.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays incredibly moist during slow cooking.
• Use lactose-free milk or dairy alternatives to make the recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra crispy bacon bits or sprinkle of diced rotisserie chicken for more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 729 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg