Here is an easy, creamy pasta recipe you can make any night.

introduction

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy, quick, and full of flavor. It mixes tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a simple ranch cheese sauce with pasta. If you want a cold pasta idea too, see this chicken caesar pasta salad for a fresh side or alternative.

why make this recipe

It cooks fast and feeds a family.
It uses simple pantry ingredients.
Kids and adults both like the creamy ranch flavor and bacon crunch.
You can make it for dinner, a potluck, or meal prep.

how to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Cook the bacon first so you can use the drippings for the chicken. Chop the bacon when it cools.
Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear it in the bacon drippings until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then cube.
Boil the pasta until al dente and drain.
Make the sauce in the same skillet: melt butter, sauté garlic, stir in flour, then slowly add half and half. Whisk until smooth.
Add the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts.
Mix the pasta and chicken into the sauce. Top with chopped bacon and serve warm.
For meal prep tips and other pasta bowl ideas, check this chicken sausage pasta meal prep bowl recipe.

Ingredients :

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
6 strips bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

Directions :

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
Boil the Pasta: Cook in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add flour, then gradually add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.

how to serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Serve hot in shallow bowls so the sauce stays creamy.
Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley for color.
Offer lemon wedges for a small bright tang if wanted.

how to store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Cool to room temperature before storing.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or half and half to loosen the sauce.
You can freeze for up to 2 months, but texture may change. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Use rotini or another short pasta to hold the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best.
Save some bacon for topping so it stays crisp.
Warm the half and half slowly to avoid lumps when adding flour.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

variation (if any)

Add steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, stretchier sauce.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use milk instead of half and half?
A: Yes. Use whole milk and a little extra cheese for richness. The sauce will be a bit thinner.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sear the chicken substitute or mushrooms. Use a vegetarian ranch mix.

Q: How do I keep the sauce smooth?
A: Whisk well when you add the half and half and add the cheese slowly while stirring. Heat gently.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then reheat gently and add a splash of half and half before serving.

Conclusion

For another take on this flavor combo, you can view a similar cozy recipe at a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – The Cozy Cook. If you prefer a baked version with extra cheese and a crunchy top, see this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake – Cooking in the Midwest.