Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a weeknight dinner dream—rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor that the whole family will love.

I first made this dish on a whim, trying to use up leftover bacon and rotisserie chicken. One bite in, and I knew I had found a new favorite. It's become a regular in our meal rotation, and the best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors that make every bite irresistible.

First off, it's super quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a homemade pasta dish that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal that uses simple pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pasta, chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning to create a flavor-packed dish.

Another reason to love it? It's versatile! Swap the pasta shape, use a different protein, or adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. This recipe is perfect for using up whatever you have in the fridge.

And of course, the combination of bacon and ranch is always a winner. If you're a fan of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta comes from its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one adds a crucial layer of flavor to the dish.

Pasta: I love using penne or rotini, as their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce. However, any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works great too.

Chicken: For convenience, I often use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs will give you an even juicier bite.

Bacon: The crispy, smoky bacon is what makes this dish so irresistible. I recommend using thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.

Ranch Seasoning: Instead of bottled ranch dressing, ranch seasoning mix gives this pasta its signature tangy and herby flavor without making the dish too heavy.

Cheese & Cream: A combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente, then drain and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, as it helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon and set it on a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Next, cook the chicken in the same skillet. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply warm it up in the pan for a couple of minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked, add the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, letting them melt into a rich, creamy sauce.

Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and crispy bacon, stirring everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), this pasta stores well for a quick meal later.

For refrigeration, store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using shrimp, turkey, or even sausage for a new twist on flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
• Use a different cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella for a different cheesy profile.
• Go low-carb: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in some extra nutrition.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is endlessly customizable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

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