Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

by

Instructions

Cook the Bacon

  1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Set aside.
  3. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan; discard the rest (or save for another use).

Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
  4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside with the bacon.

Cook the Pasta

  1. While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Make the Ranch Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium-low.
  2. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  6. Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Stir in the cooked chicken and most of the crispy bacon (save some for topping).
  3. Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Serve

  1. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates.
  2. Top with remaining crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
  3. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a little kick.
  4. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Sauce Success:

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce (pre-grated has anti-caking agents)
  • Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation
  • Add cheese gradually while stirring constantly
  • Reserve pasta water – it’s the secret to a silky sauce that clings to the pasta

Chicken Tips:

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed
  • Let chicken develop a golden crust before stirring for maximum flavor
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat

Bacon Perfection:

  • Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt
  • Chop into small pieces for better distribution
  • Save some bacon grease for cooking – it adds incredible flavor
  • Cook extra bacon for topping

Pasta Pointers:

  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions (it will finish in the sauce)
  • Don’t rinse pasta – the starch helps the sauce cling
  • Toss pasta with sauce immediately after draining for best absorption

Variations

Veggie Additions:

  • Spinach or kale (stir in at the end until wilted)
  • Broccoli florets (steam and add with chicken)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness
  • Mushrooms sautéed with the chicken
  • Peas or corn for color and sweetness
  • Roasted red peppers for smoky flavor

Protein Swaps:

  • Turkey bacon for a lighter option
  • Shrimp instead of chicken
  • Grilled chicken for a smoky flavor
  • Rotisserie chicken for a shortcut

Make It Lighter:

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
  • Reduce cheese by half
  • Add more vegetables
  • Use whole wheat pasta
  • Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon

Spice It Up:

  • Add diced jalapeños
  • Use pepper jack cheese
  • Stir in hot sauce or cayenne
  • Top with crushed red pepper flakes

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:

  • Cook bacon and chicken up to 2 days in advance
  • Store separately in the refrigerator
  • Make sauce and combine everything when ready to serve

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • The sauce may thicken when cold – add milk or cream when reheating

Reheating:

  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream
  • Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between
  • Add a little butter or cream to restore creaminess

Freezing:

  • Not recommended as cream sauces can separate when frozen and thawed

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. This pasta is rich and filling, so lighter sides work best. A Caesar salad is a particularly great pairing!

Yield

Serves 6-8 people

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch is a flavor trifecta that never fails. The smoky, salty bacon complements the creamy ranch sauce, while the tender chicken adds protein and substance. The blend of three cheeses creates a rich, complex sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Perfect For:

  • Busy weeknight dinners
  • Family meals everyone will love
  • Potlucks and gatherings
  • Meal prep (though best fresh)
  • Anyone who loves ranch dressing
  • Comfort food cravings

This is the kind of pasta dish that disappears quickly and has everyone asking for seconds. It’s restaurant-quality flavor made easily at home!

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