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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Comfort Meal

creamy crack chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta dish with a rich cheesy sauce, bacon, and simple ingredients perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Discard excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook chicken over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and let rest, then dice into chunks.
  4. Reduce heat to low. In the same skillet, add 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Slowly add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
  5. Add diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra garlic powder if needed.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it. Cook chicken evenly by pounding breasts to even thickness. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it al dente. Low heat is key when melting cheeses to prevent grainy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy crack chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, quick dinner, family meal