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A cheesy crack chicken spaghetti bake in a cream ceramic dish with etched readyprepmeals logo, with a wooden spoon lifting a slice from the corner, showing melty texture and crisp bacon.

Crack Chicken Spaghetti Bake (Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Bacon and Ranch)

Samantha
Crack Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a creamy, cheesy chicken casserole packed with ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and spaghetti noodles, this baked pasta recipe is pure comfort food and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 8 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base:

  • 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you love)
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie is perfect)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
  • ½ cup ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Finish:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prep:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  • Cook the Spaghetti:
    Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. You can reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed. Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! It will continue baking in the oven.
  • Make the Creamy Crack Chicken Base:
    In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, half the bacon, and the cooked spaghetti. Mix until everything is coated in that rich, ranch-flavored sauce. Optional Add-In: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
  • Transfer and Top:
    Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top. Want even more crunch? Add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or panko tossed in melted butter before baking.
  • Bake and Serve:
    Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like a pop of color.

Notes

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