This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory flavor. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tender pasta are coated in a rich ranch-seasoned sauce that’s pure indulgence in every bite. The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how everyone went back for seconds. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is everything you crave in a cozy, cheesy dish. The creamy ranch sauce gives it a tangy, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and tender chicken. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and it all comes together in one pan for easy cleanup. You’ll love how comforting and flavorful it is—like a loaded ranch chicken sandwich in pasta form. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate creamy comfort food — a rich, cheesy pasta dish loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch-infused sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning. Add olive oil to the pan and cook chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Return chicken and bacon to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little mozzarella on top and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Make it lighter by substituting half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta: Use penne, rotini, or rigatoni for the perfect bite and sauce coverage.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless—seasoned, cooked, and diced for tender, juicy protein.
Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy richness that makes the dish irresistible.
Butter: Helps create the creamy base for the sauce.
Garlic: Adds savory depth to balance the creaminess.
Flour: Thickens the sauce for a rich, velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: Provides flavor and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates the luscious, creamy consistency of the ranch sauce.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret to that signature tangy, herby flavor—use homemade or store-bought.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note to balance the creamy richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and color.
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. Add diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside with the bacon.
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and whisk until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer until thickened.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Ranch Pasta: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
Veggie Boost: Mix in broccoli, spinach, or peas for color and nutrients.
Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Ranch Alfredo Pasta: Combine ranch seasoning with Alfredo sauce for extra richness.
Buffalo Ranch Pasta: Add buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Three-Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for a bolder flavor.
Turkey Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for easier cleanup.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
Yes, but reduce the cream slightly since dressing adds liquid and tang.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and reheat gently before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can make it spicy with a touch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.
Can I bake it with breadcrumbs?
Yes, sprinkle breadcrumbs and cheese on top for a golden, crispy crust.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze without the garnishes and reheat with a splash of cream for best texture.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavor. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and tender chicken makes every bite deeply satisfying. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether served fresh from the skillet or baked until bubbly, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every forkful.
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