Looking for the ultimate dinner that brings everyone to the table with zero complaints? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and creamy cheese sauce—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the trifecta of flavor: savory, smoky, and tangy, wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug, but without a ton of effort. It also makes a fantastic meal prep option—just reheat and enjoy that same luscious texture and flavor the next day.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast – 400g, diced
- Bacon – 150g, chopped
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta) – 300g
- Cream cheese – 150g
- Heavy cream – 200ml
- Milk – 100ml
- Shredded mozzarella – 100g
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 100g
- Ranch seasoning – 1 tablespoon (approx. 8g)
- Garlic – 2 cloves (8g), minced
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add olive oil to the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half the ranch seasoning.
- Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning and half of each cheese (mozzarella and cheddar).
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Top with the remaining cheese and let melt over low heat, or place under a broiler for a few minutes for a golden cheesy crust.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve hot and creamy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Pasta shape matters: Use ridged or spiral pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli) so the sauce clings to every bite.
- Want more veggies? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.
- Ranch from scratch: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper for a homemade blend.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring the heat.
- Reheat like a pro: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.
🔄 My Twist: Ranch Alfredo Bake
Take it a step further and turn this dish into a baked pasta casserole. After mixing everything together, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s dinner party-worthy comfort food that feels fancy, with no extra effort.
Leave a Reply