Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep and cook time.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch seasoning, smoky bacon, and creamy sauce is irresistible.
3. Customizable: Swap out pasta shapes, use leftover chicken, or add vegetables for variety.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will adore this rich, cheesy dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, add the olive oil or butter and heat over medium-high.
2. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Ranch Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
2. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients (If Desired)

1. Stir in steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or green onions for added color and nutrition.
2. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or plate.
2. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it to al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce.
2. Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh Parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
3. Save Pasta Water: This starchy water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
4. Cook Bacon First: Using bacon grease to sear the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Vegetarian Version

• Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use a meatless bacon alternative for a smoky flavor.

3. Low-Carb Option

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly.

4. Cheesy Overload

• Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the sauce for extra cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Complement the dish with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties works well in this recipe. For a twist, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best way to make it lighter?

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
• Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and milk.

Yield: 6

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Print

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Chicken and Sauce
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   Drain the pasta, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken
   In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside.
   In the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Sauce
   In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
4. Add Cheese and Combine
   Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
   
5. Serve and Garnish
   Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish.
   Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Customizations: Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.

Ranch Seasoning Substitute: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.