Irresistible Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta that promises comfort in every bite.

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch to tender chicken pieces nestled in a velvety sauce.

ranch seasoning brings bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for each perfectly cooked pasta strand.

Quick and simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Hearty portions ensure everyone leaves the table feeling delighted and nourished.

You’ll want to savor each delectable forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta That Hits the Spot

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta in under 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for leftover rotisserie meat or add extra veggies like spinach or broccoli to make the dish uniquely yours without complicated adjustments.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheesy sauce and crispy bacon bits that transform ordinary pasta into an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing washing time and making this recipe a practical choice for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive effort.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding the creamy sauce, gets cooked to al dente for best texture.

• Chicken Breast, Bacon: Protein powerhouses that add rich flavor and hearty substance to the dish, bacon provides crispy texture.

• Heavy Cream, Ranch Seasoning Mix: Creates a luxurious, tangy base for the sauce, ranch mix adds signature zesty flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and enhances overall dish complexity.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melts smoothly to create creamy consistency, adds rich and slightly salty flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to complete the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout cooking process.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Creamy Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and bring water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the penne pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Once done, drain the water and let the pasta rest to the side.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a skillet over medium heat.

Let it sizzle and dance until it turns wonderfully crispy.

Fish out the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels.

Keep about two tablespoons of the delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken pieces.

Using the same skillet with bacon grease, slide in the chicken.

Cook until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown and is fully cooked through, which takes around 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it become fragrant.

Pour in ranch seasoning and heavy cream, letting everything simmer gently and blend together.

Step 5: Marry All the Ingredients

Reunite the pasta, chicken, and bacon in the skillet.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the pasta piping hot.

Easy Tips for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to remove excess moisture, helping it crisp up evenly and reducing splatter in the pan.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the dish.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the pasta to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
• Enjoy reheated pasta within 1-2 days for optimal taste and quality, as the sauce may separate or become less creamy over time.

Pasta Options for Chicken Bacon Ranch

• Savor the Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Opt for a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy, rich pasta with its clean, refreshing notes that cut through the heaviness of bacon and cheese.
• Zesty Green Salad Partner: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy contrast against the creamy pasta, adding freshness and cutting through the rich flavors.
• Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Serve roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a caramelized, slightly bitter element that complements the creamy pasta's decadence.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Include a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the extra ranch-based sauce, offering a delightful textural contrast and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the creamy goodness.

Chicken Bacon Pasta With Creamy Combos

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and dairy-free ranch seasoning to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas, omitting bacon and using vegetable-based bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is ranch seasoning mix necessary?

While ranch seasoning adds flavor, you can make a homemade ranch mix using dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you don’t have the packaged mix.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a little pasta water or milk to thin it out and maintain a creamy consistency. Stir gradually until you reach the desired texture.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta, blending savory flavors for a satisfying meal. Rich with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a tangy ranch sauce, you’ll savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a generously salted water pot until perfectly tender, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside, preserving the pasta’s ideal consistency.
2. Render the bacon pieces in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, cooking until golden and crisp. Extract the bacon with a perforated utensil, allowing excess fat to drip away on absorbent paper towels. Reserve approximately two tablespoons of rendered bacon fat within the skillet.
3. Season chicken fragments with robust salt and cracked pepper. Sear the seasoned chicken in the residual bacon drippings, rotating occasionally to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds. Incorporate ranch seasoning and velvety heavy cream, gently encouraging the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavor profiles.
5. Reintegrate the cooked chicken and crispy bacon into the creamy sauce. Fold in the pasta, allowing each strand to become enveloped in the luxurious mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
6. Transfer the decadent pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Customize the pasta’s texture by cooking it slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite.
• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and richer flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and tenderness.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 735
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1010mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 165mg