Description
Craving something rich, creamy, and ridiculously satisfying? This Best Crack Soup recipe is your answer. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, velvety cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spaghetti noodles all in one hearty pot, it’s the ultimate comfort meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a cozy weekend dish, or a kid-friendly meal, this soup delivers in flavor and ease. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or any time you’re in need of delicious dinner ideas or a crowd-pleasing easy recipe.
Ingredients
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 oz spaghetti or thin noodles, broken in half
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add broken spaghetti and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
5. Reduce heat. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until melted. Slowly stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
6. Add cooked bacon back to the soup, reserving some for garnish if desired. Simmer 3–5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese is softened before adding to prevent lumps.
Don’t overcook the noodles—they continue to soften as the soup sits.
Simmering for an extra 10 minutes deepens the flavor without affecting texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: best crack soup, creamy chicken soup, bacon cheddar soup, comfort food, easy dinner