There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta filling your kitchen after a long day. This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch-infused sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

I first whipped up this recipe when craving something indulgent yet quick. What started as a simple experiment has now become a family favorite, often requested on busy evenings when we need a satisfying meal in no time. Let me walk you through how to make this irresistible dish.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is everything you want in a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
You’ll also love how flavor-packed this recipe is. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and tender chicken creates a harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Another bonus? It’s budget-friendly! With just a few pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you can feed a family without breaking the bank.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. From adding veggies to swapping out pasta shapes, you can customize it to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple ingredients that come together for a flavor-packed meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta: I recommend using penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated with flavor.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. They cook quickly and remain tender in the dish. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is a star ingredient, adding richness and texture. Cook it until golden and reserve a bit of the grease for extra flavor.
Ranch seasoning: This is the flavor booster that ties everything together. Use a packet of dry ranch mix or your favorite homemade blend for maximum control over the flavor.
Cheese: A mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan adds creaminess and a hint of nuttiness. You can substitute cheddar if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Cream and broth: Heavy cream and chicken broth form the base of the sauce. Together, they create a rich, velvety texture that’s not too heavy.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a slotted spoon to make cooking and cleanup a breeze.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce if needed.
- Prepare the chicken and bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. In the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Using the reserved bacon grease, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and serve immediately. Your creamy, savory dinner is ready to enjoy!
Total cooking time: about 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? No problem! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta stores wonderfully for quick meals later in the week.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrients and color.
- Swap proteins: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese options: Experiment with cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible to everyone.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Indulge in this creamy and delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble.
- In the same skillet, combine ranch dressing, heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat on medium until warmed through.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, use smoked bacon or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe to save time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950 mg
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