Creamy Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy chicken and turkey bacon ranch pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The ranch seasoning weaves a magical flavor profile through tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.

Crispy turkey bacon adds a delightful crunch to every single bite.

Packed with rich, creamy goodness, this dish brings together classic ingredients in a harmonious blend.

Cheese melts perfectly, creating a luscious sauce that coats each pasta strand.

You and pasta enthusiasts will fall in love with this simple yet spectacular meal.

Savor every forkful of this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create a delicious meal without complicated methods.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this pasta dish wonderfully adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single pan for cooking bacon, chicken, and creating a creamy ranch sauce, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.

Ingredients for Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat perfect for a hearty meal.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy and flavorful lean protein alternative.

• Pasta: Classic pasta to soak up the delicious ranch sauce.
• Half and Half: Creamy base for a rich and smooth sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Cheese: Melty and provides extra flavor and creaminess.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provides depth and aromatic spice.
• Ranch Seasoning: Tangy and herbal flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, robust flavor to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crispy.

Remove bacon, save the drippings, and chop into rough pieces once cooled.

Step 2: Prep Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.

Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Sear chicken in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked.

Let rest, then cube.

Step 3: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk.

Slowly pour in half and half, stirring continuously.

• Ranch seasoning
• Shredded cheese

Stir until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Fold in cubed chicken.

Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces on top.

Serve immediately while warm and delicious.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Bacon Pasta

• Cook bacon slowly on low heat to render fat evenly and achieve perfect crunchiness without burning.
• Cut chicken breasts into uniform, thin slices for consistent cooking and faster searing.
• Use a blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful chicken base that complements the ranch sauce.
• Gradually add half and half to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy ranch sauce that coats pasta perfectly.
• Reuse bacon drippings to sear chicken, adding an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor to the entire dish.

How to Reheat and Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half and half to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Pair with Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the creamy ranch sauce, balancing the pasta's decadent flavors with its bright acidity and herbal notes.
• Refreshing Green Salad Side: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs to provide a tangy, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta, adding nutritional balance and palate-cleansing freshness.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers with olive oil and garlic to complement the pasta's savory profile and add nutritional depth.
• Craft Beer Selection: Choose a hoppy pale ale with subtle citrus undertones to match the pasta's creamy texture and cut through the richness of bacon and cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Recipe Ideas to Tweak Your Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken and bacon with crispy tofu or tempeh cubes, seasoned similarly and pan-fried until golden for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for sauce thickening, and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the creamy ranch sauce and protein components for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of half and half, substitute cheese with nutritional yeast, and select dairy-free ranch seasoning to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time. Simply chop it and add it at the end as a garnish.

• What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can substitute with a blend of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a similar flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce.

• Can I substitute the half and half with a different dairy product?

Sure, you can use heavy cream or whole milk as alternatives, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken & turkey bacon ranch pasta brings comfort straight from homestyle kitchens to dinner tables with bold southwestern flavors. Hearty ingredients combine seamlessly, promising delicious satisfaction that you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 strips turkey bacon

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups half and half
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render turkey bacon in a skillet over gentle heat until crispy and golden, allowing fat to release. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
2. Slice chicken breasts into uniform thin medallions, then season comprehensively with aromatic spices including salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs.
3. Utilize the rendered bacon fat to sear chicken pieces in the same skillet, cooking over medium-high temperature until exterior develops a rich caramelized crust and interior reaches complete doneness.
4. Allow chicken to rest momentarily before cubing into bite-sized pieces, preserving internal moisture.
5. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in generously salted boiling water, cooking until it reaches perfect al dente texture with slight resistance when bitten.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
7. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux without lumps.
8. Gradually stream half and half into the roux, stirring consistently to develop a velvety, creamy consistency.
9. Incorporate ranch seasoning and shredded cheese, stirring until sauce becomes uniformly smooth and slightly thickened.
10. Fold pasta into the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring each noodle is thoroughly coated.
11. Gently fold cubed chicken into the pasta, distributing evenly throughout the dish.
12. Garnish with crumbled turkey bacon, creating a textural and flavor-packed finale.
13. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Notes

• Reserve bacon drippings for extra flavor boost, adding depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Choose low-sodium ranch seasoning if watching salt intake, maintaining delicious taste profile.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornstarch to make recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg