Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory flavors from tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The creamy texture combined with the smoky bacon and zesty ranch seasoning creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast, diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble once cooled.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add ranch seasoning mix and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, mixing well.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Swap chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk to retain creaminess, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli holds the sauce well.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?
Yes, but it may alter the consistency; reduce the cream slightly if using dressing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
Yes, but the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well when reheating.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement it nicely.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely, just add it during the final steps to warm through.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Use freshly grated cheese, quality bacon, and season the chicken well during cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple preparation, combined with rich, savory ingredients, makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta are coated in a rich ranch-flavored sauce, making it a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie works well)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- For the Ranch Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Ranch Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the ranch dressing, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well mixed.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra bacon bits, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
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