Irresistible Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hits all the right comfort food notes.

Packed with rich, bold flavors, this dish combines tender chicken and crispy bacon in a decadent ranch-infused sauce.

Pasta lovers will adore how easily this recipe comes together in just one pan.

The combination of salty bacon, juicy chicken, and tangy ranch creates a mouthwatering blend that satisfies deep cravings.

Cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, adding an extra layer of creamy goodness.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible pasta and let the deliciousness speak for itself.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 1245 kcal

Servings: 4

All Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation, choose a short pasta like penne or rotini that holds sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect cooking medium with rich, smooth flavor for sautéing.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors wonderfully, select fresh, boneless cuts for tender texture.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy depth, opt for thick-cut varieties for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky richness to create a velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces deeper savory notes and helps balance sauce consistency.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings tangy, herbal complexity with minimal effort.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide melty, sharp undertones that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and harmonize other ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish and beautiful green color contrast.

Kitchen Gear For Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta and creating enough space for water.
• Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the creamy ranch sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Used for dicing chicken and chopping garnishes.
• Chef's Knife: Required for precise cutting of chicken and parsley.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon/Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients in skillet.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Simple Steps To Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Pasta Magic

Boil water with a generous pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain while keeping a little pasta water on the side for later.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat up a skillet and let the chicken dance around until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Season with love and make sure it’s cooked through completely.

• Ranch Sauce Transformation

Toss minced garlic into the same skillet, letting its aroma fill the kitchen. Pour in cream and broth, then sprinkle ranch seasoning to create a dreamy sauce. Let it bubble gently and thicken up.

• Cheesy Symphony

Melt in the cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Reunite the chicken and crispy bacon with the pasta, coating everything in that irresistible creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too clingy, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

• Final Flourish

Shower the dish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately with a side of warm garlic bread or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Tasty Add-Ons For Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Pasta Perfect Texture: Aim for al dente pasta by cooking it 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking in the creamy sauce, preventing a mushy texture.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version that keeps all the delicious flavor without the extra carbohydrates.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein like tofu for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free alternative that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to introduce a spicy kick that elevates the ranch flavor and adds exciting depth to the dish.

How To Serve Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Warm

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the creamy pasta in a large serving dish, surrounding it with crispy garlic bread slices and a fresh green salad for a restaurant-style display that wows guests.
• Meal Prep Magic: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunch or dinner options during busy weekdays, keeping the bacon crisp by storing it separately and adding just before eating.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet at the dinner table, letting everyone scoop their own portions with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on the side for personalized toppings.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp beer to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the chicken bacon ranch pasta, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal experience.

Save Leftovers Of Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Easily

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh and preventing bacterial growth. Seal tightly to maintain flavor integrity.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking or becoming dry.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce and pasta if possible. Freeze up to 3 months, ensuring minimal texture changes. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide remaining pasta into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents, maximizing meal prep efficiency and reducing food waste.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta sparks comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this classic dish for home cooks who crave rich, satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, diced
• 6 bacon slices, cooked, crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or favorite shape)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 oz (28 g) ranch seasoning mix packet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of starchy water for potential sauce modification.
2. Chicken Cooking: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and fully cooked, eliminating any pink interior.
3. Sauce Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a smooth liquid base. Integrate ranch seasoning mix, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop robust flavors while stirring continuously.
4. Cheese Incorporation: Gradually whisk shredded cheddar and Parmesan into the simmering sauce until completely melted, achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Fold crispy bacon and cooked chicken into the creamy sauce. Add pasta, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional Parmesan sprinkle. Plate immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Control Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin or adjust the sauce’s thickness without compromising its rich flavor profile.
• Balance Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 5
• Calories: 1245
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 79 g
• Saturated Fat: 34 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 56 g
• Cholesterol: 236 mg