Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s indulgent, savory, and downright delicious, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta will surely hit the spot. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together all your favorite flavors in one bowl. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family, hosting friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain and set aside: When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. You can toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2 Preparing the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: While the pasta is cooking, place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Drain and crumble: Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and set aside. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor when cooking the chicken.

3 Cooking the Chicken

1. Season and cook the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a small pinch of garlic powder. Using the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add 1 tablespoon of butter and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
2. Set aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside along with the crumbled bacon.

4 Making the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet that you used for the chicken and bacon, pour in the heavy cream. Bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from scorching.
2. Add ranch seasoning: Once the cream is warmed through, stir in the ranch seasoning packet until fully incorporated.
3. Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

5 Combining and Serving

1. Combine pasta, chicken, and bacon: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon back into the skillet with the creamy ranch sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the ingredients are well-distributed.
2. Garnish and serve: For added flavor and presentation, you can sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, more shredded cheese, or extra crispy bacon bits on top of the pasta before serving.

Tips for Success

• Cook the pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente to avoid mushy pasta when combined with the sauce. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and provide a more satisfying texture.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked. Searing the chicken over medium heat until just cooked through will keep it juicy and tender.
• Use full-fat cream and cheese: To achieve a rich, creamy sauce, it’s important to use full-fat cream and cheese. Lower-fat alternatives may result in a thinner or less flavorful sauce.
• Reserve bacon grease: Cooking the chicken in the reserved bacon grease adds extra depth and smoky flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein swaps: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with other proteins such as turkey, shrimp, or even ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using roasted vegetables or tofu.
• Pasta alternatives: This recipe works with various types of pasta. You can substitute with gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a lower-carb option.
• Add vegetables: You can easily bulk up this dish with vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the chicken, or stir them into the sauce for added nutrition.
• Different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Garlic bread: Serve this pasta with crispy, buttery garlic bread for a perfect complement to the creamy sauce.
• Side salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish. A Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad works beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Leftover Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• On the stovetop: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• In the microwave: You can also microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of ranch seasoning?

• It’s best to use ranch seasoning mix in this recipe, as the bottled dressing contains additional liquid that may alter the consistency of the sauce. The seasoning mix ensures you get the ranch flavor without thinning the sauce.

Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?

• Creamy pasta dishes don’t freeze well, as the texture of the sauce can change when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and rich cheese in every bite. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions.

With its creamy, cheesy goodness and customizable elements, this dish can be tailored to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it with a side of garlic bread, a salad, or adding extra veggies, this pasta will become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Yield: 6

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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If you're craving comfort food that’s indulgent, savory, and downright delicious, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta will surely hit the spot. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together all your favorite flavors in one bowl. Whether you're preparing dinner for the family, hosting friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or any pasta of choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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 and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Ingredients:

• Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy ranch sauce. Toss everything together to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Pasta Options: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even bowtie pasta.

Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the pasta for a more balanced meal.

Cream Substitute: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream if you prefer a lighter version.