What’s better than pasta? How about pasta smothered in a rich, creamy ranch sauce, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese? This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—indulgent, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this one’s sure to have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch in one dish.
- Simple, family-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Make the Sauce
- Add butter to the skillet with the bacon grease over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the ranch seasoning mix, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Don’t skip the ranch seasoning: It’s the star of the dish, bringing all the flavors together.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
- Use high-quality cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and enhance the flavor.
- Customize the sauce: Add extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water for a thinner sauce.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha into the sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy twist.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
10 FAQs About Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
1. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
Yes, but reduce the amount of heavy cream to balance the sauce consistency.
2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux.
4. What’s the best bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon adds the most flavor and crunch.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, make it fresh.
6. What’s a good side dish for this pasta?
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a shortcut.
8. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Cook it longer or add a bit more flour when making the roux.
9. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, broccoli, or spinach are great additions.
10. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy, cheesy flavors are a hit with kids.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce, it’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish will leave everyone full and happy.
Ready to dig in? Make this tonight and see why it’s everyone’s favorite comfort food! 🍝🥓