Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy ranch sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it at a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The rich, creamy sauce paired with the smoky bacon and juicy chicken creates a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love. I’ve made this recipe several times, and every time, it disappears quickly from the table. It’s one of those meals that combines the best of comfort food with a touch of indulgence. If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and delicious, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta will definitely hit the spot.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and delicious pasta dish with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing for an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the ranch dressing and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat.
- Stir in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the crumbled bacon and mix to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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.)
For the pasta:
Pasta
The choice of pasta is flexible, but penne or rotini work particularly well as their shapes hold the creamy sauce and other ingredients nicely. You can use any pasta you like, such as spaghetti or fusilli.
Chicken breast
Chicken breast is the perfect protein for this dish. It’s lean, tender, and when cooked properly, adds a mild flavor that pairs well with the richness of the sauce. Grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts will work best.
Bacon
Bacon brings a smoky, savory element to the dish that’s impossible to resist. The crispy texture of the bacon adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and chicken.
Olive oil
Using olive oil to cook the chicken and bacon ensures everything stays moist while adding a hint of flavor. It’s perfect for sautéing without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic
Garlic is essential for creating the depth of flavor in this dish. Its subtle sweetness complements the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall taste.
For the ranch sauce:
Ranch seasoning mix
Ranch seasoning mix is the star of the sauce. It adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor that brings everything together. You can use store-bought ranch seasoning or make your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese gives the sauce its velvety texture and rich, creamy consistency. It creates the perfect base for the ranch seasoning mix and adds a slight tanginess to balance the richness of the bacon and chicken.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream is key to achieving a silky, smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. It also adds richness and depth to the overall flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is the perfect addition to this creamy sauce. It adds both flavor and a beautiful golden hue, creating that irresistible cheesy pull in every bite.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese complements the cheddar and helps to thicken the sauce while providing a slightly salty and nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
Salt and pepper
A little salt and freshly cracked pepper help balance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust these to your taste to bring out the best in your pasta.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet, slice into strips, and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Make the ranch sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet with the ranch sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, while the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, for a total time of about 30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is highly customizable based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken and bacon with grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. The ranch sauce will still pair wonderfully with the veggies.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative to regular pasta. You can also swap the heavy cream with coconut cream for a keto-friendly option.
- Spicy Option: If you like a little heat, add chili flakes or jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Add Vegetables: You can mix in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Creamier Sauce: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash more of heavy cream.
- Perfect Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and some of the ranch seasoning mix before cooking. This infuses the chicken with more ranch flavor.
- Crispier Bacon: If you want extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, then crumble it into bits for an even crunchier texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute ranch seasoning mix with an equal amount of ranch dressing. However, using the seasoning mix gives a more concentrated flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine and reheat before serving.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for up to 2 months. When reheating, the sauce may need a little extra cream or milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken and bacon with vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or even tofu.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Parmesan is essential for the flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it for a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich ranch sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate indulgent meal. Plus, with its easy customization options, you can make this dish suit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy this hearty meal the next time you want to treat yourself to a comforting, delicious pasta dish!
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