Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful bacon ranch chicken pasta brings comfort and zest to your dinner table.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with smoky, savory notes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals never looked so inviting or tasted this incredible.

Crispy bacon pieces add a satisfying crunch that elevates every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Salt, pepper, and a dash of creativity make this dish shine brilliantly.

We promise this recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal that everyone will request again and again.

FAQs On Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• What ingredients make this pasta dish special?

The combination of crispy bacon, ranch-seasoned chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, making preparation and cleanup quick and easy for home cooks.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works well with traditional pasta shapes, you can easily substitute with penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta to suit your preference.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing bacon quantity, using low-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta That Comforts And Delights

• Savor Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This bacon ranch chicken pasta delivers irresistible flavors that bring everyone together, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently prepare this delicious dish without complicated culinary skills.
• Customize for Personal Taste: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications like swapping cheese types, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: One-skillet preparation means less cleanup, faster cooking time, and a hearty meal that comes together quickly when energy and patience are running low.

Ingredients For Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the chicken and sauce.
• Chicken: The protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky and crispy element to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.

• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor profile to the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that enhances the visual appeal and adds a light herbal note.

How To Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta completely and set it aside in a separate bowl, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Crisp Up Delicious Bacon

Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces when cool enough to handle.

Step 3: Season and Sear Chicken

Season chicken with ranch seasoning mix, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. In the same skillet used for bacon, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and pour heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet, mixing it with the creamy chicken. Gently fold the prepared pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is well-coated with the delicious bacon and cheese mixture.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the bacon ranch chicken pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is creamy.

Tips For Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to make this dish lighter and suitable for health-conscious diners.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you're avoiding wheat, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal without dietary restrictions.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining, which helps create a smoother, silkier sauce when stirring ingredients together.
• Choose low-sodium ranch seasoning to control salt intake and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor variations that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Variations To Try With Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to boost heat and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Replace ranch seasoning with oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Ranch Pasta: Substitute chicken with sautéed portobello mushrooms and add vegetable broth for extra depth.
• Southwestern Chicken Pasta: Mix in black beans, corn, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give a southwestern kick.

Best Pairings For Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery white wine with light oak notes perfectly complements the creamy bacon ranch chicken pasta, balancing its rich flavors and cutting through the heaviness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companions: Toasted garlic bread slices provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the delicious creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A zesty, peppery green salad dressed with light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the pasta's richness, adding brightness and balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer Selection: A hoppy pale ale or amber beer with mild bitterness can cut through the cream and cheese, creating a delightful taste harmony that elevates the meal's complexity.

Storage Tips For Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep pasta and chicken mixture separate to maintain texture.
• Pack cooled pasta and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy bacon ranch chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory flavors into a perfect weeknight dinner. Cheese-coated noodles and crispy bacon create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast
• 6 slices bacon

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels, leaving rendered fat in pan.
3. Season chicken pieces generously with ranch seasoning mix, ensuring even coating.
4. Sauté chicken in bacon drippings over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Reduce heat to low and pour heavy cream into skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Crumble reserved bacon and fold into the cheese sauce, distributing evenly.
8. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is coated.
9. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added brightness and color.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, leaner version of this dish for health-conscious eaters.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce, giving the dish an extra flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg