Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

When cravings for comfort food strike, few dishes hit the spot quite like Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This dish combines succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch seasoning, all tossed together with pasta, making it a surefire winner for family dinners or gatherings. It’s quick, satisfying, and bursts with flavor – a weeknight meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. My journey with this recipe has always left me with smiles and empty plates, and I bet it will bring joy to your table as well!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta apart is how quickly you can whip it up without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. In about 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, or even a cozy weekend meal when you want something comforting without too much fuss. Plus, when creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken come together, magic happens!

“My family can’t get enough of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta! It’s on our weekly rotation now!” – A thrilled home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe follows a simple yet satisfying flow. You’ll start by cooking the bacon, which infuses the dish with delightful flavor as you sear the chicken in the drippings. Next, you’ll make a creamy ranch cheese sauce that’s easy to prepare. Finally, you’ll bring it all together with pasta for a dish that’s sure to impress.

What You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success in your cooking journey. Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 strips of bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or your favorite type)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

Feel free to substitute the rotini with any pasta shape you love, or switch out the cheddar for a blend that suits your palate!

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, set it aside while reserving the drippings in the pan.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner strips. Season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until they are golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few moments, then cube it.

3. Boil the Pasta: Cook the rotini in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the half and half while continuously stirring. Add the ranch seasoning and cheese, mixing until everything is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, then gently fold in the chicken and garnish with the crispy bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

While Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a great stand-alone dish, you can enhance your meal by pairing it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete experience. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition, or some steamed broccoli to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. For reheating, you can microwave individual portions or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help revive the creamy texture. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken, then combine with pasta before serving.

Expert Advice

To take your dish to the next level, consider crisping up the bacon in the oven for even cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of cheese you have on hand. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, can add a brilliant touch of color and flavor right before you serve it.

Creative Twists

There are many ways to vary this classic recipe! You could try adding sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tang, or even some spinach for a pop of freshness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the half and half with low-fat milk or a creamy yogurt.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, you can have Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ready in about 30 minutes!

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work great, but rotini holds onto the sauce beautifully.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!

Incorporating Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta into your meal rotation won’t just please your taste buds; it will also save you time and effort in the kitchen. Prepare to enjoy a dish that is not only flavorful but also brings a comforting feel to your dining experience! Happy cooking!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and indulgent dish combining chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch seasoning tossed with pasta.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 strips of bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or your favorite type)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

---

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over low heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Set aside while reserving the drippings in the pan.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thinner strips. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then cube.
3. Cook the rotini in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the half and half while continuously stirring. Add the ranch seasoning and cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, fold in the chicken, and garnish with crispy bacon. Serve warm.

Notes

Consider crisping the bacon in the oven for even cooking, and try different types of cheese for variety. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, bacon, comfort food, quick meal, family dinner