If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy dish, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This meal combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the tangy warmth of ranch seasoning all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a big, cozy hug for your taste buds, guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is a dream because the ingredients are straightforward yet critical in building that unforgettable flavor profile. Each one plays a unique role—whether it’s the crispy bacon adding crunch, the cheddar cheese bringing richness, or the ranch seasoning delivering that signature tang.
- 14 ounces penne pasta: Choose penne or a similar small pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon (chopped): Thick-cut bacon crisps up wonderfully, adding a smoky, crunchy layer to the dish.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender chicken pieces provide a hearty protein base soaking up the ranchy flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic adds a warm, aromatic backbone that lifts the entire sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix: This is the star seasoning that gives the recipe its unforgettable ranch flavor kick.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to deepen and balance all the savory notes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a creamy, velvety consistency.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- ¾ cup cream (any kind 10-30% fat): Cream is crucial for that rich, indulgent texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy, melty goodness that completes the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: A fresh touch of green and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Crisp Bacon
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente because you want it to provide a little bite without being mushy. While the pasta cooks, crisp the chopped bacon in a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium heat. Getting the bacon perfectly crispy adds that much-needed textural contrast. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels to keep the crunch intact.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Build Flavor
Next, take advantage of the leftover bacon fat in the pan—it’s packed with flavor perfect for cooking the chicken. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook over medium heat until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Immediately add the minced garlic, ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and flour, stirring constantly. This step is where the magic begins as the dry ingredients toast slightly and the aroma starts to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly stir in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and lift all those flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Follow by pouring in the cream and bring the mixture just to a simmer. Be careful not to boil; gentle heat helps the sauce thicken and develop its creamy texture. Then turn off the heat and get ready for the best part.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. Add in the cooked pasta, gently tossing it to coat every piece beautifully. Finally, fold in the crisp bacon and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is flavorful on its own, sprinkling extra chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A little cracked black pepper on top can also add a subtle kick and make your presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted vegetables for added texture and earthiness. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe in individual casserole dishes topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It makes for an impressive, cozy presentation that will have your guests swooning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, though the pasta may soak up some sauce, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwaving is fine too, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great to hold the sauce, any small pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells will work beautifully too.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and using a dairy-free cheese substitute, you can make a tasty version of this dish that suits dairy-free diets.
Can I prep any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can chop the chicken, bacon, and parsley ahead of time and even measure out the seasoning. Cooking everything fresh, though, ensures the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix on hand?
You can make a quick ranch blend at home using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This keeps the signature flavor intact without the packet.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe reheats well, making it a convenient option for prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a hearty meal after a busy day, this recipe is worth making again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this creamy, cheesy, smoky delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese with flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 ounces penne pasta (or another small pasta shape)
Meat
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup cream (any kind 10-30% fat)
Dairy
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven or large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is browned and cooked through completely.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dry ranch seasoning mix, salt, black pepper, and flour. Cook while stirring for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, which helps to develop the roux for the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth followed by the cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and then turn off the heat.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta, crisp bacon bits, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use any small pasta shape if penne is unavailable, such as rotini or farfalle.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
