Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family? This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a perfect choice! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, this dish is a weeknight hero that tastes like a gourmet treat.
In this SEO-optimized recipe article, we’ll guide you through every step to create this crowd-pleasing pasta dish, including tips for variations, serving ideas, and more.
Ingredients
To whip up this creamy pasta dish, you’ll need:
- Pasta: 12 ounces of penne or your favorite type of pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: 2 tablespoons
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon
Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Pour in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Ingredients
Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this indulgent dish while it’s hot!
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken or turkey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Indulgent Flavor: A creamy, cheesy, ranch-infused delight.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Serving Suggestions
- Accompanying Sides:
- Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini make for a healthy complement.
- Portioning:
- This recipe serves 4–6 people. Adjust quantities based on your needs, especially if serving as a main dish or part of a larger meal.
- Presentation:
- Garnish with extra crumbled bacon, freshly chopped parsley, or grated Parmesan for an appealing finishing touch.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing:
- While the dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may slightly change in texture.
- To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating:
- On the Stove: Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir gently until heated through.
- In the Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
- Avoid Overcooking: Prolonged heating can make the pasta mushy and the sauce overly thick.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta stays delicious, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or as a leftover treat!
1. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this dish. Simply dice or shred the chicken and add it to the sauce to heat through before combining with the pasta.
3. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini is ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, including spaghetti or fettuccine.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
Print
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet, and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for added nutrition.
- Ranch Seasoning Alternative: Use 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley if you don’t have ranch seasoning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.