Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout
Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamiest, cheesiest pasta that’s ready in just 20 minutes. The trick I discovered is using heavy cream and a touch of cornstarch for a velvety sauce. It’s so cozy and comforting, you’ll forget you’re not at your favorite Italian restaurant. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake and Mango Curd Tart Recipe.
Why This Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- It's ready in just 20 minutes
- The creamy sauce is out of this world
- It's a family favorite that's always a hit
What You'll Need for Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta
- 12 oz bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs.
- heavy cream: For a lighter version, use half and half.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect cooking. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Makes quick work of shredding cheese. → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, but keep the grease in the pan.
- Step 2: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in the bacon grease until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Add cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
- Time-saving tip: You can cook the bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes to save time and mess.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the hot sauce. If it's too soft, drain it a minute or two early.
- Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The pasta can also be cooked ahead of time.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: You can use heavy cream or half and half for the sauce.
- Make-ahead: You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant Pot — Cooks pasta and chicken quickly and evenly. → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta
- 12 oz bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, but keep the grease in the pan.
- Step 2: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in the bacon grease until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Add cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: You can use heavy cream or half and half for the sauce.
- Make-ahead: You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sat. Fat: 25g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, you can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The pasta can also be cooked ahead of time.
If your sauce turned out grainy, it's likely because the cheese wasn't melted properly. Make sure to melt the cheese slowly over low heat.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
While you can cook the bacon in the air fryer, the rest of the recipe is best made on the stovetop.
The best way to reheat this is in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta That's Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
