If you’ve been searching for a comforting, irresistible dish that checks all the boxes of flavor and creamy indulgence, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe. Perfectly tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused cheese sauce come together with al dente pasta to create a meal that feels like a warm, savory hug. Every bite is loaded with layers of texture and taste that make this dish a fast favorite for weeknights or casual gatherings. I’m excited to share this recipe, which combines simple ingredients in a way that feels downright special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the richness of the heavy cream to the smoky crunch of bacon, every component contributes texture, flavor, or color to this comforting pasta dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the chicken evenly without sticking while adding subtle fruitiness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that provides tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
- 6 slices bacon: Brings a crispy, smoky contrast that elevates every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the seasoning blend with a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a splash of herby freshness and a pop of green.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all flavors to life and balancing the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to wake up the palate.
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini): The perfect shape to trap that creamy ranch sauce in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and layer to the sauce without making it heavy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates an irresistibly rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 1 package (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix: The star seasoning that delivers that unmistakable tangy ranch flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to give the sauce a stretchy, gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Complements with a sharp, nutty kick and enhances creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, place your chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices so every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside while you cook the bacon in the same skillet. Use medium heat and cook the bacon for 6 to 8 minutes until crispy. Afterward, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. That smoky crunch is a vital contrast for the creamy pasta.
Step 3: Season the Skillet
Stir the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper into the bacon drippings left in the skillet. This seasoning mix will build a flavorful base that infuses the sauce with herbal and savory notes, making the dish complex but balanced.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the seasonings are melding, cook one pound of your chosen pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will soon be enveloped in that luxuriously creamy ranch sauce you’re about to make.
Step 5: Prepare the Ranch Sauce
Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, stir the chicken broth into the skillet with the seasonings, loosening the flavorful base. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the entire package of ranch seasoning mix over it. Stir continuously until you have a smooth, velvety sauce that starts to simmer and thicken slightly after a few minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely, transforming the sauce into an irresistibly creamy blanket for your pasta. This part is what takes the dish to the next level of indulgence.
Step 7: Combine and Finish Cooking
Now you’re ready to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss everything gently so the pasta is fully coated and the flavors mingle perfectly. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes allowing the flavors to deepen and marry.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Give your creation a final taste. If needed, adjust with extra salt or pepper. Then it’s ready to serve hot, possibly garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling decadent.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten this indulgent dish beautifully. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and a pop of fresh flavor. A little extra grated Parmesan on top adds a sharp finishing touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is wonderfully rich and filling, simple sides work best. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus offer a refreshing balance. Garlic bread also pairs perfectly to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the pasta in warm individual bowls or rustic cast iron skillets right at the table—comfort food presentation at its best. You can also top with a fried egg for brunch-inspired creativity or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist on the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not better.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not recommended for best texture—dairy and pasta can separate or become watery. If you do freeze, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess, stirring often. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great because they hold sauce well, but feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even shells. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Heavy cream really gives it that luxurious texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety. Just be sure any chicken broth or seasoning mix you use is certified gluten-free to keep it safe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the bacon drippings or stir in some hot sauce with the ranch mix. It pairs surprisingly well with the creamy, cheesy base.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and refrigerate. Pasta can be cooked and cooled as well, then everything comes together quickly when you make the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is pure comfort food bliss that feels special yet comes together with ease. It’s a one-skillet wonder that will quickly turn into a household favorite because of its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s truly a game changer for any pasta night. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Print
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cream sauce tossed with your choice of penne or rotini pasta. This recipe features a perfect balance of savory seasonings, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a velvety sauce that coats every bite, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Oils & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken breasts: Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook bacon: In the same skillet, add the six slices of bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and crumble bacon: Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Add seasonings to drippings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring the seasonings into the remaining bacon drippings.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Cut chicken: Cut the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Add chicken broth: Pour half a cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the seasonings and stir to combine.
- Add cream and ranch mix: Pour in one cup of heavy cream and the ranch seasoning mix, stirring until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Add chicken and bacon: Stir in the cut chicken pieces and crumbled bacon to combine evenly.
- Cook combined dish: Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta as preferred for best sauce clinging.
- Make sure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Reserve some bacon drippings as they add flavor to the sauce.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less thick.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
