Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a family-favorite dish that combines creamy ranch, savory bacon, and tender chicken for a hearty, satisfying meal. With a base of pasta swirled in a rich ranch-infused sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This easy recipe can be customized to fit your taste and cooking style whether baked, cooked in a crockpot, or transformed into a pasta salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Cooking Options: Make it as a skillet dish, bake it, or use a crockpot for hands-off prep.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust seasonings to fit your preferences.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Pasta Base

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended, but penne or farfalle work well too).

Protein

• 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin.
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped.

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed).
• 2 cups half and half (or a mix of milk and cream).
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended).

Optional Add-Ins

• Vegetables: Peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley for garnish.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

1. Cook the Bacon

• Heat a skillet over low heat and cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain.
• Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
• In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
• Set the chicken aside to rest, then cube or shred it.

3. Boil the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
• Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

• In the skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring no lumps form.
• Add the ranch dressing mix, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens.
• Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

• Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until fully coated.
• Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the chopped bacon.
• Garnish with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

• After mixing the pasta, chicken, and sauce, transfer to a greased baking dish.
• Top with additional cheddar cheese and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Pasta Crockpot

• Cook the bacon and chicken as directed.
• Add the cooked chicken, bacon, uncooked pasta, and sauce ingredients (use extra liquid like chicken broth) to a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Pasta Salad

• Use cooled, cooked pasta and toss it with a lighter ranch dressing.
• Add diced cooked chicken, bacon, and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onion for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
• For extra veggies, roast broccoli or carrots as a side.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy in the sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Related Recipes

Check out these other delicious dishes:

• Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
• One Pan Chicken Recipes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it as a skillet dinner, baked casserole, or refreshing pasta salad, this dish is sure to be a hit. Save this recipe now and share your creations on Pinterest!

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