Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

This Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which uses ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar for ultimate comfort food flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, ready in about 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 16 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 green onions, sliced

How To Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

  1. Cook chicken in broth: Place chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken broth, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender.
  2. Shred chicken and add pasta mixture: Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. Add uncooked pasta, ranch dressing mix, cubed cream cheese, water, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and press pasta into the liquid.
  3. Cook pasta in slow cooker: Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes, until pasta is al dente and sauce is creamy.
  4. Top and serve: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions on top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to melt cheese before serving.
Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Recipe Tips

  • How do I keep pasta from overcooking? Stir halfway through and check frequently near the 30-minute mark.
  • Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, skip the initial cooking step and add shredded rotisserie chicken with the pasta.
  • Can I make this recipe spicier? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, short shapes like rotini or shells work well.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Pair this creamy pasta with:

  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • A fresh green salad
  • Roasted or steamed vegetables
  • Simple fruit salad

How To Store Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months (note: pasta may soften slightly after thawing). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Sodium: 1046 mg
  • Sugar: 4 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Yes, swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice and cook separately.

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, boil pasta separately and stir into the creamy chicken mixture before serving.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken portion ahead, refrigerate, then add pasta and finish cooking when ready to serve.

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Crock Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

680

kcal

A creamy ranch chicken pasta with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions made easy in the slow cooker—perfect for weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 16 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, cubed

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 3 green onions, sliced

Directions

  • Place chicken, broth, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder in crock pot. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
  • Shred chicken and add pasta, ranch mix, cream cheese, water, and half the cheddar. Stir and press pasta into liquid.
  • Cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway.
  • Top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions; cover 5 minutes until cheese melts. Serve warm.