Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Indulge in Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an enticing dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, zesty sauce, all tossed with delicious rotini pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal when time is short, yet you crave something hearty and satisfying. I discovered this dish at a family gathering, where it quickly became the star of the dinner table and for good reason! Each tender bite bursts with flavor and nostalgia, making it a go-to recipe for families and pasta lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe encapsulates everything we love about home-cooked meals—it’s quick, budget-friendly, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just about 30 minutes to whip up, allowing you to serve a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The ultimate comfort food, this pasta dish is rich in flavor and easy to customize, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or casual family dinners.

“This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta has quickly become a family favorite. The flavors blend perfectly, and it’s so easy to put together. My kids ask for it every week!” – Sarah J.

Preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Let’s dive into how this delightful dish comes together! You’ll start by cooking the bacon to crispy perfection, then searing the chicken in the tasty drippings, and finally creating a creamy ranch sauce that brings it all together. Here’s the simple, step-by-step overview:

1. Cook the bacon.
2. Prepare the chicken.
3. Boil the pasta.
4. Make the creamy sauce.
5. Combine everything and serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious meal, gather the following ingredients:

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

Tip: Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Process

1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon, chop it roughly when cooled, and set aside, remembering to reserve the drippings for added flavor.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest and cube it afterward.

3. Boil the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the half and half. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated, then garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve while warm.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When serving Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish. You could also serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing, making it perfect for any dining occasion.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy it later, note that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce; simply add a splash of milk or half and half when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Pro Chef Tips

• For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the ranch dressing mix for an hour before cooking.
• Always cook pasta al dente; it will continue to soften as it absorbs the sauce when combined.
• A sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving can take this dish to the next level of indulgence.

Creative Twists to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative variations:

• Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it completely for a lighter version.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for a new texture.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese, though keep in mind that flavor profiles will change.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning and flour are gluten-free.

3. What is the best way to store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
   Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze it in portions for easy thawing.

5. How long does it take to prepare?
   This dish typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious and comforting. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the warmth it brings to your dinner table. If you try the recipe, leave a comment to let me know how it turned out for you!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A quick and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce tossed with rotini pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to swap for mozzarella or pepper jack.
• 6 strips bacon Cook until crispy.
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Slice into thin pieces.
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta Recommended for this recipe.
• 2 tablespoons butter For making the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons flour To make the roux.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder For seasoning the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For seasoning the chicken.

Method

 

Cooking Process

1. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon, chop it roughly when cooled, and set aside, remembering to reserve the drippings for added flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest and cube it afterward.
3. Boil the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the half and half. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated, then garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve while warm.

Notes

Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Pairs well with garlic bread or a light salad. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to three days.