Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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😋 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ultra-Creamy, Cheesy & Loaded with Comfort

If there’s one combination that never fails, it’s chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch—and this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta brings them all together in one irresistibly creamy skillet. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta are coated in a rich ranch-seasoned cheese sauce that’s bold, savory, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort food.

⏱️ Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 4–6

  • Calories: ~620 per serving

📝 Ingredients

Pasta & Protein:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work best)

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)

  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

  • Extra shredded cheese

  • Crumbled bacon

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

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

Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the sauce.

2️⃣ Cook the Bacon & Chicken

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
If chicken isn’t already cooked, sauté diced chicken in the bacon drippings until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.

4️⃣ Season the Sauce

Stir in ranch seasoning, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy and fragrant.

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