Description
Creamy, zesty crock pot crack chicken pasta delivers ultimate comfort with minimal effort. Cheese-laden noodles and tender chicken create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (225 grams) cooked and crumbled bacon
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages of cream cheese, cubed
- 1.5 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 1 lb (454 grams) rotini or penne pasta
- 1 packet (28 grams / 1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
Optional Garnish:
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Position chicken breasts in the slow cooker, generously coating with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Strategically place cream cheese cubes atop the seasoned chicken and gently pour chicken broth around the meat.
- Secure the lid and allow the chicken to cook thoroughly, transforming into a tender, flavorful base – approximately 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high temperature.
- Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken, thoroughly integrating it with the developing creamy sauce within the crock pot.
- Introduce uncooked pasta and milk, ensuring complete liquid submersion, then cover and continue cooking on high heat for approximately 25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
- When pasta reaches perfect tenderness, incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces, stirring until cheese melts completely and ingredients harmonize.
- Optionally crown the dish with freshly chopped green onions for an elevated presentation and additional flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, savoring the rich, comforting blend of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, flavorful meat that absorbs seasonings better.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ranch mix and low-fat cream cheese options.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for nutritional boost.
- Gluten-free alternative can be achieved by using gluten-free pasta and checking ranch seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg