Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Modern kitchens buzz with this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta that promises pure comfort.

Crispy bacon bits and tender chicken create an irresistible combination for weeknight dinners.

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy twist to traditional pasta recipes.

Weeknight meal planning just became deliciously simple with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheese melts into a silky sauce that coats each pasta curve perfectly.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s dive into a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Shine

• This pasta delivers a speedy, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is short.
• Combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch creates an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universally loved dish.
• The recipe allows simple modifications like adding extra vegetables, swapping protein types, or adjusting ranch intensity to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe incredibly convenient for home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated preparation.

Ingredient Guide for Ranch Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for the creamy dish, with al dente texture crucial for perfect mouthfeel.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the pasta during cooking.

• Chicken Breast, Bacon: Adds rich protein and smoky, savory depth to the pasta dish. Choose boneless, skinless chicken and thick-cut bacon for best results.

• Ranch Seasoning, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, tangy, and smooth sauce. Look for full-fat versions for maximum richness and authentic ranch flavor. Ranch seasoning mix brings signature herbal notes.

Quick Steps for Rich and Creamy Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander, but save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later- this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Bacon

• Edges turn golden brown
• Bacon becomes wonderfully crisp
• Fat renders out completely

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

• Exterior turns golden brown
• Inside becomes fully cooked
• No pink remains in the center

Step 4: Create Creamy Ranch Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Heavy cream

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Cooked pasta
• Crumbled bacon
• Cooked chicken

Toss everything together until each noodle is generously coated with the creamy ranch sauce.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Cooking Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Choose Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta just until tender with a slight bite to prevent mushiness and maintain perfect texture in the final dish.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid to help create a smoother, silkier sauce if needed for adjusting consistency.
• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch and flavor, then crumble into small pieces for even distribution throughout the pasta.
• Temper Cream Sauce: Gradually add hot pasta water and stir continuously to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy when mixing with dairy ingredients.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and taste preferences.

How to Store Ranch Pasta with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Satisfying Pairings for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Crisp green salad with apple cider vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich, creamy pasta with refreshing acidity and crunch.
• Chardonnay or light-bodied Pinot Grigio cuts through the dish's heaviness, offering a bright, clean palate cleansing effect.
• Roasted asparagus with garlic provides a green vegetable side that adds nutritional balance and earthy undertones to the chicken and bacon.
• Fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil introduces a peppery, zesty element that lightens the meal's robust flavors.

Different Flavors to Blend into Chicken Ranch Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional wheat pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower, crispy tofu, or chickpeas to create a plant-based version of the creamy pasta dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use dairy-free ranch dressing to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling ranch-infused creamy chicken bacon pasta brings comfort and zest to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 300 g (10 ounces) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender with a slight bite, following the package guidelines.
3. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, preserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking liquid for later use.
4. Transfer the cooked pasta to a separate bowl, allowing it to rest while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Notes

• Opt for wider pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne to help sauce cling better and create a more luxurious eating experience.
• Consider using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and richer flavor profile that complements the creamy ranch sauce.
• Swap regular chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time and add more depth to the overall dish’s taste.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and turkey bacon to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 583
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 795 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 132 mg