Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe That Kids Love

Creamy, comforting chicken bacon ranch pasta weaves culinary magic on your dinner plate.

Ranch seasoning infuses this classic dish with zesty, bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch to every forkful of tender pasta.

Juicy chicken creates a satisfying protein boost that makes this meal truly memorable.

Cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that brings all these incredible ingredients together.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is So Popular

• Whip Up Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, satisfying pasta that combines classic flavors everyone loves, making it a go-to meal for picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for using up leftovers or adapting to dietary preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious dish in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that saves time and delivers maximum flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that brings together protein, pasta, and a luxurious sauce in one convenient cooking process.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Ingredient List

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this hearty dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and savory element to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce for the pasta.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste of the recipe.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the sauce.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps to sauté garlic and create a smooth cooking base.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop pasta into a pot of salted boiling water and cook according to package directions.

When done, scoop out some pasta water before draining.

Set cooked pasta aside and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic in Pan

Heat a large skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create Creamy Ranch Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle ranch seasoning mix.

Let the sauce simmer and gradually thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine Protein and Pasta

Fold in cooked chicken pieces and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce.

Add the prepared pasta and gently mix everything together.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Season and Adjust Flavors

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top of the pasta.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips for Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Use thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
• Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce thickness; add gradually to prevent sauce from becoming too thin or watery.
• Sauté garlic on medium heat to prevent burning and release subtle aromatic flavors without turning bitter.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, grilled turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility and varied protein sources.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally since ranch seasoning and bacon already contribute significant saltiness to the dish.

Ranch Pasta Variations You Can Try

• Vegetarian Ranch Pasta: Replace chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Ranch Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to create a zesty, heat-packed variation for those who enjoy spicier dishes.

Ways to Serve Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Flavor Party Platter: Serve this creamy pasta on a large wooden board with extra crispy bacon bits scattered on top for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the pasta in a big serving bowl, letting everyone scoop their own portion with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
• Lunch Box Winner: Pack cooled pasta in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays tasty and satisfying even when slightly chilled.
• Gourmet Topping Twist: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley, green onions, or a dash of red pepper flakes just before serving to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add extra flavor layers.

Storing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra milk to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce’s creamy texture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce better and catch all the delicious bacon and chicken pieces.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor to the dish. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding to the pasta.

• Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use reduced-fat cheese, and choose turkey bacon to create a lighter version of the dish while maintaining most of the original flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers a comfort food explosion that satisfies deep cravings. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple ingredients make you dream of hearty family dinners with each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, carefully reserving ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 60 seconds.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken and develop rich flavors.
4. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Fold in pre-cooked chicken and crispy crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with the luxurious sauce, adjusting consistency by slowly introducing reserved pasta water.
7. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
8. Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and ingredient.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add a delightful crunch and intense flavor to the dish.
• Gradually add cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a luxuriously smooth sauce texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 585 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg