Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights! Tender pasta is coated in a rich ranch-flavored cheese sauce, then tossed with juicy seasoned chicken and crispy bacon. It’s a one-pan dinner you can make on the stovetop or bake into a golden, bubbly casserole. Every bite is a mouthwatering combination of smoky, savory, and creamy goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families looking for a quick and comforting dinner.
- Pasta lovers who enjoy creamy, cheesy sauces.
- Meal preppers who like make-ahead dinners.
- Anyone craving a cozy, satisfying dish with chicken and bacon.
Why It’s Great
- Two cooking options: Make it on the stovetop or bake it as a casserole.
- Creamy ranch flavor: A delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes.
- Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with protein and cheesy comfort.
- Customizable: Easy to switch up with different proteins, veggies, or pasta shapes.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups half and half (or heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan or pot (for pasta)
- Whisk and spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish (for casserole option)
- Mixing bowls
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over low heat until crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in a small bowl.
- Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast into 2–3 thinner pieces.
- Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat bacon drippings (or olive oil) in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before cutting into cubes.
3. Boil the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.
4. Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute, whisking constantly.
- Gradually pour in the warmed half and half, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Once the sauce thickens, reduce heat to low and stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Add cubed chicken and half of the chopped bacon, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
- Top with remaining bacon or stir it in for extra flavor.
Optional: Bake as a Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with 1½ cups additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe portions.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly with pre-cooked chicken for a quick shortcut.
Q: What pasta type works best?
Rotini, penne, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta cling beautifully to the sauce.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely — try adding frozen peas, broccoli, or mixed veggies for a complete one-pan meal.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Bake covered at 350°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or bake it into a bubbling casserole, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that combines all your favorite flavors — chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese — in one unforgettable dish.
