Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce with pasta for a comforting meal everyone will love. For another easy pasta dinner, try this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or this hearty Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea Recipe.
Ingredients
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, and crispy bacon for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together in minutes.
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Timing
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 35 minutes |
Context: This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Step 2 — Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is golden brown.
Step 3 — Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
Step 4 — Sauté the Aromatics
Add minced garlic to the hot bacon drippings and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 5 — Make the Ranch Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and ranch seasoning. Whisk continuously until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6 — Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta and shredded cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 7 — Add Cheese and Bacon
Stir in most of the shredded cheese and crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy and well-combined.
Step 8 — Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning if desired. Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta immediately, topped with the remaining cheese, bacon, and fresh chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 620 |
Protein | 32g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fat | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 980mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Turkey Bacon — Leaner protein with smoky flavor, reducing saturated fat.
- Whole Wheat Pasta — Higher fiber option for better digestion and sustained energy.
- Zucchini Noodles — Low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
- Greek Yogurt Ranch — Creamy, tangy swap using yogurt instead of mayo for less fat.
- Plant-Based Chicken — Vegan protein that mimics texture and absorbs ranch seasoning well.
- Coconut Milk Ranch — Dairy-free version offering a subtle sweetness and creamy consistency.
- Low-Sodium Broth & Herbs — Flavor-packed base using herbs instead of salt for heart-healthy seasoning.
- Lentil or Chickpea Pasta — Gluten-free, high-protein pasta that holds up well in creamy sauces.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with a crisp garden salad topped with ranch dressing to echo the creamy ranch flavors in the dish.
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic bread for a comforting, complete meal that satisfies a crowd.
- Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings where hearty, crowd-pleasing food is a must.
- Garnish with extra crumbled bacon, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese for added texture and visual appeal.
- For a lighter option, toss the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with fresh spinach or arugula just before serving to add color and freshness.
- Serve in a warm, shallow bowl to keep the pasta creamy and inviting, making each bite as enjoyable as the last.
These ideas will help you turn your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta into a memorable meal for any occasion, balancing rich flavors with simple, complementary sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overcooking the chicken breast, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let it rest before slicing.
- Mistake: Using watery ranch dressing from a bottle, which makes the sauce thin. Fix: Opt for a dry ranch seasoning mix or a high-quality, thick bottled ranch to control consistency.
- Mistake: Not reserving pasta water, resulting in a sauce that won’t cling to the noodles. Fix: Save at least a cup of the starchy cooking water to help emulsify and thicken your sauce.
- Mistake: Adding raw bacon bits instead of cooking bacon until crisp. Fix: Cook bacon separately until fully crispy to provide the necessary texture and smoky flavor.
- Mistake: Dumping all ingredients into a cold pan, which leads to uneven cooking. Fix: Always start with a preheated pan to properly sear the chicken and render the bacon fat.
- Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken, causing it to steam instead of sear. Fix: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a golden-brown crust.
- Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents, preventing a smooth melt. Fix: Shred cheese from a block yourself for a creamier, more integrated sauce.
- Mistake: Skipping the step to season the sauce at the end, leaving it bland. Fix: Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs just before serving.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, or microwave covered, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Always use clean utensils when handling leftovers to maintain food safety and quality.
Conclusion
This creamy, savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We hope you love this easy dinner as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more delicious recipes like Crack Chicken Soup Recipe, be sure to subscribe for updates.
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet and warm through.
- In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and bacon. Pour the ranch mixture over and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, use smoked bacon and freshly grated cheddar cheese. You can add steamed broccoli or peas for a vegetable boost. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy ranch sauce well. Their ridges and hollows help capture the flavors of the chicken and bacon in every bite.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely. You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just ensure your chosen protein is fully cooked before adding it to the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.