Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch flavors in every satisfying bite. This hearty dish is a crowd favorite, known for its rich, cheesy sauce and easy one-skillet preparation. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love It

Flavor-packed: Smoky bacon, tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning make every bite irresistible.

Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Easy to customize: Swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or make it gluten- or dairy-free with simple adjustments.
One-skillet sauce: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

6 strips thick-cut bacon
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon over low heat in a large skillet. This slow rendering method ensures crispy bacon and flavorful drippings, perfect for searing the chicken. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and chop when cool.

Tip: Save the bacon drippings for the next step!

2. Sear the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then dice into bite-sized cubes.

3. Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Recommended: Rotini’s spirals cling beautifully to the creamy sauce!

4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half and half. Once the sauce thickens, add the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth, creamy, and cheesy.

5. Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating every piece. Stir in the diced chicken and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top. Mix gently and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich pasta dish with:

Roasted Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or green beans for color and crunch)
Simple Side Salad (mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette)
Garlic Bread (perfect for scooping up extra sauce!)

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy content, which can separate when thawed.

Recipe Tips

Want a lighter version? Use turkey bacon and light cream.
Need it gluten-free? Swap for gluten-free pasta and ranch seasoning.
Boost the veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers.

FAQs

Can I substitute turkey bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon works great for a lighter option, though it may crisp up faster than pork bacon.

Which pasta shapes work best?
Rotini, penne, fusilli, or bowties (farfalle) are all excellent because they grab onto the sauce.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese. Look for ranch seasoning that’s free from dairy ingredients.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
Make your own! Mix dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to add color and nutrition.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Author: Easy Recipes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta brings together creamy ranch sauce, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and hearty pasta in one irresistible meal. It’s comfort food at its finest — a cheesy, creamy, savory dish that satisfies every craving.