Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 

by

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 😋

A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the zesty goodness of ranch seasoning. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is comfort food at its finest — perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even casual entertaining. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s simple, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting & Cheesy: The rich cheddar cheese and creamy ranch sauce make this pasta irresistible.

  • Protein-Packed: Chicken and bacon provide a satisfying, hearty meal.

  • Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it, and it’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)

  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

For the Chicken and Bacon:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:

  • ½ cup chopped green onions

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Extra shredded cheese for topping

  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Bacon

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  1. In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to make a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).

  3. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley if using.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked chicken and bacon into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

  2. Toss in the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  3. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

  • For a restaurant-style presentation, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

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