Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This creamy, savory pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-seasoned sauce for a comforting one-pot meal that’s sure to be a family favorite. Ready in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

· 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
· Salt for boiling water

For the Main Components:

· 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
· 6 slices bacon, chopped
· 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Sauce:

· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 1½ cups chicken broth
· 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
· 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning*)
· 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish/Add-ins:

· 2 green onions, thinly sliced
· Fresh parsley, chopped
· 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
· ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning:
2 tsp dried parsley, 1½ tsp garlic powder, 1½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried dill, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp salt.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Bacon & Chicken

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside with bacon.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk to form a roux. Cook 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, until smooth.
4. Stir in ranch seasoning and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes or red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
2. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips for Success:

· Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to absorb sauce when combined.
· For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk, but avoid boiling once added to prevent curdling.
· Make it ahead: Prepare components separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
· Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Storage:

· Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
· Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Creamy, savory, and totally satisfying—this crowd-pleasing pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!