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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the base layer by nestling chicken breasts into the crock pot, evenly distributing ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder across the surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken directly within the crock pot, thoroughly integrating the meat with the developing creamy sauce.
- 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.
- When pasta reaches optimal tenderness, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and ingredients blend harmoniously.
- 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