Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Crack Chicken Pasta

Creamy, comforting Crack Chicken Pasta — a better-than-takeout creamy chicken noodle bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it from drying out. The golden, bubbly crust is irresistible. Try it with my Tortellini Carbonara or Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot! Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try my Tortellini Carbonara for another quick pasta dish. and For a spicy twist, try my Buffalo Chicken Pasta – One Pot!.

Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake
💛

Why This Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Is Pure Comfort

  • Better than takeout creamy chicken noodle bake
  • Easy, one-pan recipe for busy weeknights
  • Golden, bubbly crust that's irresistible
  • Customizable with your favorite add-ins

What You'll Need for Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 lb pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Chopped green onions
  • Optional: Crumbled bacon
Crack Chicken Pasta Ingredients

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut.
  • pasta: Any shape will work.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

How to Make Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

  1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make sauce: In the same pot, melt cream cheese and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
  3. Bake: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
🎩

Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

  • : Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Common mistake and fix: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it's too thin, cook uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce.
  • : For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • : To make ahead, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Storing & Reheating Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Freezing Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of some of the heavy cream.
  • Best substitution: Substitute the chicken for cooked turkey or diced ham.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it's too thin, cook uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce.

Want to level up this recipe?

Instant Pot — Cooks chicken and pasta quickly for a time-saving meal. → Check price on Amazon

Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
30 mins
Total
45 mins
🍽
Serves
6 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 lb pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Toppings

  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make sauce: In the same pot, melt cream cheese and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
  3. Bake: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of some of the heavy cream.
  • Best substitution: Substitute the chicken for cooked turkey or diced ham.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it's too thin, cook uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 750
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 45g
  • Carbs: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
  • Sat. Fat: 28g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake FAQs

Can I make Crack Chicken Pasta ahead?

Yes, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Why did my Crack Chicken Pasta turn out dry?

Undercooking the pasta or not adding enough liquid can cause the dish to dry out. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and add enough chicken broth.

Can I make Crack Chicken Pasta in the air fryer?

No, this recipe is best baked in the oven. The air fryer may not heat the dish evenly or melt the cheese properly.

What is the best substitute for heavy cream?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. The sauce may be slightly thinner, but it will still be creamy.

Can I make Crack Chicken Pasta with frozen chicken?

Yes, thaw the chicken first and make sure it's cooked through before adding it to the sauce.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Crack Chicken Pasta — Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake 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!

Similar Posts