There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused sauce. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a one-pot wonder that brings everyone to the table with excitement. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking for an easy dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.
The first time I made this pasta, I was looking for a way to elevate my typical chicken and pasta routine. I stumbled upon the idea of blending savory ranch seasoning with cheddar cheese, and let me tell you—it was love at first bite. Since then, this dish has become a family favorite, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish. Here’s why it’s a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon creates a creamy, smoky, and tangy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this dish, and it’s easy to tweak for picky eaters.
- Versatile: You can add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or even use leftover chicken to make this dish your own.
Preparation Time and Servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: ~650, Protein: ~40g, Fat: ~35g, Carbohydrates: ~45g, Sodium: ~1200mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this creamy, dreamy pasta:
- Pasta: 2 cups uncooked rotini or penne. These shapes are perfect for holding onto the sauce.
- Bacon: 6 strips, cooked until crispy and chopped. Adds a smoky crunch.
- Chicken Breasts: 2 small, boneless, skinless, and sliced thinly for even cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the savory notes.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of herby goodness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, to form the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, to create the roux and thicken the sauce.
- Half and Half: 1½ cups, for a rich and creamy texture.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet, the star of the show for bold flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for a luscious, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this recipe down into simple, manageable steps:
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet over low heat, cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces.
Cook the Chicken
Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with reserved bacon drippings, increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups of half and half, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the ranch seasoning mix and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat every piece evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing to combine. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor if desired.
How to Serve Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This pasta is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Add a side of buttery garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta: Rotini and penne are ideal for holding the sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you love.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce better and hold its shape.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
Season As You Go: Taste and adjust the seasoning at every step to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some creative twists you can try:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty meat-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some over the finished dish.
- Cheese Blend: Swap some of the cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Freezing and Storing Tips
Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the pasta in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can substitute it with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and replace half and half with milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easily scalable to feed a crowd. Just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times as needed.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon and tender chicken. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media. Let’s make dinner something to look forward to every day!
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cheese sauce for a quick and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rotini or penne
- 6 strips crispy bacon, chopped
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups half and half
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Fry bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and chop.
- Season chicken and cook in bacon drippings until golden. Set aside.
- Make the sauce by melting butter, sautéing garlic, and whisking in flour, half and half, ranch seasoning, and cheese until creamy.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce; top with bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-Top and One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food