Crack Chicken Pasta Bake – The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Casserole
Looking for a rich, satisfying, and flavor-packed family dinner that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist? This Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled casserole that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, prepping a freezer meal, or just feeding your hungry crew, this dish delivers serious comfort food vibes.
With juicy chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, gooey cheese, and tender pasta – it’s the kind of creamy chicken casserole that lives up to the name “crack” for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Pasta
-
Fast & easy – only 10 minutes of prep!
-
Family-friendly – picky eaters love it.
-
Perfect leftovers – even better the next day.
-
Combines everything you crave in a cheesy chicken bake.
Ingredients
-
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
-
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
½ cup mozzarella (optional for stretch!)
-
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
-
12 oz penne pasta (or rotini)
-
½ cup milk (for a creamier texture)
-
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
-
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
softened cream cheese
-
ranch seasoning
-
milk
-
shredded chicken
-
cheddar & mozzarella
-
garlic powder
-
-
Fold in the cooked pasta and half the bacon.
-
Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining bacon and extra cheese if desired.
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
-
Garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
-
For a spicier version, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
-
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
-
Freeze portions for up to 3 months – perfect make-ahead meal!
Nutrition & Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
-
Approx. 560 calories per serving.
-
Rich in protein and fat – a true comfort meal!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to soul-satisfying casseroles, this Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is hard to beat. It’s the perfect example of a creamy chicken casserole done right – packed with layers of flavor and finished with a gooey, cheesy top that turns golden in the oven.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or prepping meals for the week, this cheesy chicken bake delivers crowd-pleasing flavor every time.
Thank you for following me on Facebook , Pinterest !
Crack Chicken Pasta Bake
Description
This Crack Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender pasta come together in a rich casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s everything you love in a creamy chicken casserole with all the flavor of a cheesy chicken bake – and it’s super easy to make!
Ingredients
-
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
-
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
-
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
-
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
-
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
-
12 oz penne pasta (or rotini)
-
½ cup milk
-
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch seasoning, milk, garlic powder, cheddar, mozzarella, and shredded chicken.
-
Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the crumbled bacon.
-
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top and add more cheese if desired.
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
-
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
-
For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add diced jalapeños.
-
Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter version.
-
Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
-
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully.
-
Freezer-friendly: assemble the casserole and freeze before baking.