Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Easy

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s a meal that’s full of flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights. If you love bacon and ranch flavors, you’re in for a treat with this recipe, especially when paired with some tasty cucumber boats.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare.
• Loaded with cheesy goodness and the taste of bacon.
• Great for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This recipe involves cooking bacon, searing chicken, and making a creamy ranch sauce. You’ll combine it all with cooked pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s straightforward and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 strips bacon
• Salt/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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Boil the Pasta: Cook in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
4. 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.
5. Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Serve this dish warm and top it with extra cheese if you like. You can also pair it with a side salad or wraps for a complete meal. It’s great for potlucks or parties too!

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a little milk or cream for extra creaminess.

Tips to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• For added flavor, you can use smoked bacon.
• Mix in some vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
• If you want a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta.
• Adjust the ranch seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Variations

• Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage.
• Use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
• Add different herbs for a unique flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe.
• Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and is easy to reheat.
• Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta? Yes, but the sauce may change texture when frozen and thawed.

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines favorite flavors enjoyed by many. For more delicious pasta ideas, check out One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, or try a lighter option with Chicken, Bacon, & Ranch Squash Noodles. If you prefer a more traditional pasta dish, you might enjoy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipes that also deliver on taste!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A quick and delicious chicken pasta dish with creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 670

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 strips bacon Cook until crisp.
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Slice into thinner pieces.
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended) Cook in boiling salted water until al dente.
• 2 tablespoons butter For making the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 cups half and half For a creamy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Cooking

1. Sear chicken in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente and drain.
3. In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
4. Add flour, then gradually add half and half, stirring well.
5. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Add pasta to the sauce, then add chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in microwave or stovetop, adding a little milk or cream for extra creaminess.