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