Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking feel elevated yet comforting. Imagine tender chicken seared to perfection, crispy bacon adding a delightful crunch, and a creamy ranch sauce all pulling together over perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re feeding the family after a busy day or want to impress friends at a potluck, this dish never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. It’s rich, savory, and downright irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to try Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. For one, it combines the well-loved flavors of ranch and bacon with a cozy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights when time is of the essence but flavor is still a priority. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.
“This dish has become a weekly staple in our home! It’s simple, delicious, and the kids always clean their plates.” – A Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll start by cooking the bacon, then searing seasoned chicken in that lovely, flavored drippings, followed by whipping up a creamy sauce to bind it all together with pasta. With every step, you’re just moments away from a delightful meal that everyone will rave about.
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What You’ll Need
To make this deliciously creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta, gather these items:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Feel free to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese if you want to change things up!
Directions to Follow
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve the drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
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Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cubing them after resting gives it a nice texture.
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Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; don’t forget to drain it well.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the half and half. Stir in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Combine: Toss the pasta in the sauce, add the chicken, and garnish with the crumbled bacon. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is delightful on its own, but why not make it even more special? Consider pairing it with some garlic bread for a classic touch, or a simple side salad to balance the richness. You could even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving to take it to the next level.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be a surprise because this dish is so tasty!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on a stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use a good quality ranch seasoning mix for the best flavor.
- If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? You can easily customize this dish! Try adding cooked spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas, and leave out the bacon—still delicious!
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
Prep time is around 10 minutes, and the cooking process takes about 20 minutes, making this a quick meal ready in about 30 minutes total!
Can I use a gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety to make this dish gluten-free friendly.
How should I store leftovers?
Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to three days. Reheating is easy—just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to keep it creamy.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting weeknight dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve the drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cubing them after resting gives it a nice texture.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; drain well.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the half and half. Stir in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, add the chicken, and garnish with the crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Consider pairing with garlic bread or a simple side salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle more cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg