Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe that Will Make You Smile

My neighbor’s secret chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe always leaves everyone craving seconds at neighborhood potlucks.

Surprising combinations make this dish truly unforgettable.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crispy bacon pieces.

Fresh herbs and sharp ranch seasoning create magical flavor profiles.

Simple ingredients come together quickly for a satisfying meal.

You appreciate how straightforward this dish feels to prepare.

Each bite promises comfort and deliciousness you’ll want to savor immediately.

Best Matches for Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Savor Rich Red Wine Pairing: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the creamy, savory bacon and chicken flavors, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its depth.
• Craft Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness, adding refreshing contrast and providing a zesty palate cleanser between bites.
• Elevate with Chardonnay: Select a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay that mirrors the dish's creamy texture, highlighting the ranch seasoning and cheese while offering smooth, subtle oak undertones.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Slice crusty garlic bread to soak up the decadent sauce, providing a crunchy texture that complements the pasta's creamy consistency and adds extra indulgent layers.

Ways to Change Up Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or coconut bacon for similar smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or almond-based cheese shreds.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?

The key ingredients are chicken, bacon, penne pasta, ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

• Is this recipe considered easy to make?

Yes, this recipe is relatively simple and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. It requires basic cooking skills like sautéing chicken and bacon, and combining ingredients in a single pan.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle. For cheese, use cheddar or mozzarella if you don’t have the original type. Ranch seasoning can be homemade or store-bought.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce bacon quantity, choose low-fat cheese, and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lower calories and increase protein content.

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Wins Every Time

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious chicken bacon ranch pasta in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimize cleanup with this convenient recipe that uses a single pan from start to finish, saving you time and reducing dish-washing hassle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Delight your family and friends with the irresistible blend of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy ranch, and melted cheese that makes this pasta an instant hit at any gathering.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables or swapping ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Boneless and tender meat perfect for this creamy dish.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful pork that adds rich texture.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tubular pasta with ridges for sauce holding.
• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty and herbal mix for extra flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base for creating velvety sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty and savory topping for added creaminess.

• Water: Used for cooking pasta and maintaining moisture.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for color and fresh finish.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Cooking Steps

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Prep the Pan

In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until it’s golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a side plate, keeping about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

If the pan feels dry, add a splash of olive oil to maintain a rich cooking base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Toss cubed chicken into the bacon-infused pan.

Cook for 3 – 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken and place it alongside the bacon, covered to stay warm.

Step 3: Pasta Meets Ranch

Add to the pan: Penne pasta, water, and ranch seasoning

Give it a good stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover and reduce heat to low.

Let the pasta cook until al dente, following the package instructions.

Most of the liquid should be absorbed; add a splash more water if needed.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pan.

Pour in heavy cream and toss in shredded cheese.

Stir until everything melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Rest and Serve With Style

Take the pan off the heat and let the dish sit for 5 minutes.

This gives the sauce time to thicken and coat everything just right.

Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy finish.

Smart Tips for Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat for maximum flavor without overwhelming the dish, ensuring a perfect balance of richness.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking, creating a smooth and consistent texture.
• Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to create a creamy, smooth sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
• Cook pasta on low heat with lid on to maintain moisture and allow seasoning to infuse deeply into the pasta and sauce.
• Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious meal.

Save and Reheat Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta blends hearty comfort with zesty ranch flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner delight. Home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around one delicious skillet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 18 ounces (510 grams) water
• 4 ounces (113 grams) heavy cream
• 1 cup (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ranch seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer crispy bits to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sear chicken cubes in the bacon drippings, cooking until completely opaque and tender. Transfer chicken to a warm plate, covering to maintain temperature.
3. Pour water into the same skillet, incorporating ranch seasoning. Gently introduce penne pasta, stirring to distribute seasoning evenly.
4. Simmer pasta with lid partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, absorbing most liquid. Add minimal water if pan appears dry.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Pour heavy cream and sprinkle shredded cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely.
6. Allow mixture to rest off heat for 5 minutes, enabling sauce to thicken and flavors to meld harmoniously. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that stands up well in the pasta dish.
• Liquid Management: Monitor pasta liquid carefully, adding water gradually to prevent sticking or burning while ensuring perfect pasta texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pan from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and create smooth, creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version without compromising taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg