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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Introduction
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a garlicky ranch sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Imagine twirling a forkful of tender noodles covered in velvety ranch cream sauce — every mouthful bursting with smoky bacon and melty cheese.
When life gets busy, this 30-minute dinner saves the day. I first made this dish on a weeknight when I had leftover grilled chicken and a craving for something indulgent but simple. It instantly became a family favorite. The magic lies in how all the flavors — tangy ranch, crispy bacon, and savory chicken — blend together in one comforting skillet meal.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you need a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s kid-approved, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- ✅ Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- ✅ One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
- ✅ Creamy & Cheesy: The ranch sauce is pure comfort.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed (see our [guide on how to cook juicy chicken breast])
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or homemade—see our DIY ranch seasoning guide)
- 1 cup heavy cream (sub: half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, chop bacon and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
🥓 Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–6 minutes.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
- Add olive oil if needed, then add chicken pieces. Sauté until golden and cooked through (about 4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
- Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
🍝 Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly, and simmer another minute until heated through.
- Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Pro Tips & Variations
Pro Tips:
- Cook pasta al dente—it continues cooking in the sauce.
- Save some pasta water to loosen sauce if it thickens too much.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
Variations:
- 🌱 Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- 🥛 Dairy-Free: Swap cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- 🍗 With Rice: Replace pasta with cooked white or brown rice.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with:
- 🥗 Crisp Garden Salad – Try our [Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe].
- 🍞 Garlic Bread – See our [No-Knead Garlic Bread].
- 🍷 Drink Pairing: Light Chardonnay or sparkling lemonade.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta (without cream sauce separation) up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates and vary by ingredients.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving.
Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Q3: How do I make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese by ¼ cup.
Q4: Can I bake this pasta?
Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Q5: What pasta shapes work best?
Rotini, penne, or shells hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
11. Printable Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Irresistible Dinner
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: Servings: 4
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes! A family-favorite comfort meal you’ll crave every week.
Ingredients
-
8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
-
6 slices bacon, chopped
-
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed (see our [guide on how to cook juicy chicken breast])
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or homemade – see our [DIY ranch seasoning guide])
-
1 cup heavy cream (sub: half-and-half for lighter version)
-
½ cup chicken broth
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook pasta & prepare chicken and bacon.
-
Make ranch cream sauce.
-
Combine and toss with pasta.
-
Serve warm with garnish.
Notes
Use leftover chicken for a 15-minute meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
12. Linking Strategy
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13. Closing Section
There you have it — the ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect quick dinner for busy nights or a comforting meal for weekends.
If you try this recipe, please ⭐ rate it, 💬 leave a comment, and 📌 save it on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too!
Happy cooking — and enjoy every creamy, bacon-filled bite! 🥓🍝
