If you’re craving a dish that combines the creamy goodness of ranch, the irresistible crispiness of bacon, and the tender juiciness of chicken, look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This hearty and flavorful dish is a true crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or family meals. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines comfort food with bold, savory flavors!

This creamy pasta recipe features chicken breast, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch dressing sauce all wrapped around tender pasta. The combination of flavors and textures—crispy bacon, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and pasta—will have you reaching for seconds! Plus, it's easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients required.

Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in no time.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (2g)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 350g penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 4 cups water (960ml)
• 1 tablespoon salt (to season the pasta water)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ranch dressing (240g)
• ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
• ½ cup chicken broth (120ml)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (1g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bacon:

• 6 strips bacon (about 150g), chopped into small pieces

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes.
2. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside. Save about ½ cup of pasta water for later, in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

3. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet, set aside to rest, and then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

6. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel. Leave a little bit of the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

8. In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, pour in the ranch dressing, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

11. Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

12. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley and extra cheddar cheese, if desired.
13. Enjoy your delicious, creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fats: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

🔥 Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition – Consider adding some sautéed vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, or peas, to this dish to boost its nutritional value. You can stir them into the sauce towards the end for a quick addition.

🔥 Use Leftover Chicken – This is a great recipe for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken. Just shred or chop it and add it to the sauce for a quicker meal!

🔥 Make it Spicy – If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce to the sauce to kick it up a notch.

🔥 Switch the Pasta – You can swap penne for other types of pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine. The bigger the pasta, the better it will absorb the creamy sauce!

🔥 Make it Lighter – For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use lean turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

🔥 Prep Ahead – You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken and bacon in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and combine with the pasta.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Flavorful & Creamy – The combination of ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon makes this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s a comfort food classic!
✔️ Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
✔️ Customizable – You can add extra veggies, use different types of pasta, or even switch up the protein if you prefer. It’s a versatile recipe for every taste.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re serving it to your family or hosting a dinner party, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit.
✔️ Hearty and Filling – With chicken, bacon, and pasta, this dish will keep you full and satisfied for hours.