One pot of Cracked Chicken Casserole

This is the comfort food dreams are made of! It's a flavor bomb of cheesy pasta, chicken, crispy bacon and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. One-pot meals are truly life-changing—not only for their convenience, but also for minimal cleanup (total win!) This Cracked Chicken Casserole checks all those boxes. Also, it is so delicious, that it is directly addictive! This is a dish you'll want to make again and again.

Or try the original dish with our slow cooker Cracked Chicken Recipe.

Say goodbye to endless prep work and a sink full of dishes! This one-pot meal delivers bold flavors and a seriously satisfying dish in no time—all in a single pot. Although this recipe is already a breeze to make, you can make it even easier by using pre-cooked chicken and bacon. Whether it's a busy weeknight dinner with the family or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, it's perfect for any occasion. This is one dish that everyone will love!

Material notes

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs without adjusting the cooking time.
• Olive oil: Use olive oil or your favorite neutral flavored cooking oil.
• Chicken broth: Choose low-sodium broth to better control salt content and flavor. You can always add salt to taste later.
• Penne pasta: Any brand will work perfectly here.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning: make your own Like we do to control the taste, or use one of those convenient 1-ounce packets.
• cream cheese: Cube it for faster and more even melting.
• bacon: Freshly cooked bacon is ideal, but jerky bacon crumbles are a convenient alternative that still delivers great flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is our favorite, but you can mix things up with pepper jack or mozzarella.
• green onion: Optional, but they add a pop of color and visual appeal for those who eat with their eyes first.

Using pre-cooked chicken

Using pre-cooked chicken makes this dish even easier. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and slice it. It's already ripe and tender, making it a perfect match for this casserole. You will need about 4 cups, which is roughly a medium chicken. You can use pulled chicken or shredded chicken from the deli.

Cook the noodles in the broth

This one-pot recipe isn't just a time-saver—it's a flavor maker! Here's the secret: cooking the pasta in the same pot as the chicken broth. Not only does it save time (because who wants extra food?), but it makes pasta absolutely delicious.

As the pasta cooks, it releases some of its natural starch, which helps thicken the sauce. That means extra creamy, dreamy perfection without a ton of work. No separate pots, no waiting for water to boil, no pressure. Everything happens in one pot, and we love it.

Quick tips for success

Stir in the pasta Now and then so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Keep an eye on the liquid– If the pasta is thirsty and it soaks too quickly, add more broth or water to keep things moving.

Cook the pasta until it falls apart Since it will be baked in the oven later. Nobody wants sweet pasta, right?

PAN option

You need an oven-safe pan Make it a one-pot option since it starts on the stovetop and ends in the oven. You can use a 3.5 quart brazier pana Oven-safe deep skilletOr a 6-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven.

Don't have an oven-safe pan? No problem!: If your stovetop pan is not oven-safe, you can still make this recipe. After mixing everything together, transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish before topping with the cheese and baking powder. It's an extra step, but the result will still be delicious!