Okay, friend, let me tell you about this Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta. It’s like if chicken alfredo and a loaded baked potato had a baby, and that baby was the easiest, most comforting dish you could imagine. Seriously, think creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness all tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken. This is my go-to when I need something quick, satisfying, and that everyone in the house will actually eat without complaint. And let me tell you, that’s a HUGE win around here. It’s way simpler than making a lasagna and honestly, ten times faster than a really good chicken pot pie!
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What is Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta?
Think of it as a super-charged, flavor-packed pasta dish. It’s essentially pasta tossed in a creamy ranch sauce, studded with crispy bacon and juicy chicken. What makes it special is that perfect balance of salty bacon, tangy ranch, and savory chicken. It’s not overly heavy like some cream-based pasta dishes can be, and that little zing from the ranch. How do you keep things interesting? What are some of the best ways to add veggies to a salad? What are pepper flakes for? My family calls it the “happy pasta” and honestly, I can’t argue with that!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Listen, there are a million pasta recipes out there, but this one is special. What I love most about this Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is how incredibly easy it is to make. It’s a true weeknight warrior. From start to finish, you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws at you. The flavor is also out of this world. That creamy ranch sauce, mixed with the salty bacon and savory chicken, is just irresistible. My kids ask for this all the time, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s also surprisingly cost-effective. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use any type of pasta you like (I usually go for penne or rotini, but even spaghetti works great), and you can easily adapt it to your dietary needs. Want to make it lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Need it gluten-free? Just swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand. Trust me, this recipe is a winner. It is similar to that Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap you get at some restaurants, but in pasta form, and honestly I prefer it over that.
How do I make Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you cook pasta, cook bacon, whip up a ridiculously easy ranch sauce? What are some good ways to toss it all together? Is it simple? How do you combine ingredients? Don’t overcook the pasta, get your bacon nice and crispy, and don’t be afraid to season generously. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini or your favorite shape)
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Chicken and Bacon: What is the difference between a
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika. 1/4
Salt and pepper to taste.
What is the recipe for Ranch Sauce?
1 cup mayonnaise. 1
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 pound sliced.
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional) (salt, salt,
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! Why do people like mushy pasta? How do you adjust the sauce consistency?
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. I always cook extra bacon, because sometimes someone sneaks a few pieces!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform sizes so it cooks evenly.
Step 4: Make the Ranch Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and salt. Set aside. Add the cheddar cheese and chives. Stir until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the ranch sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with extra chives or crumbled bacon, if desired. Is this a good salad to serve cold? My husband loves taking leftovers for lunch the next day.
What should I serve it with?
Can you make Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta? What are some good ideas to round it out?
For a simple side: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.
For a Heartier Meal: Some garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For a BBQ:What are some great side dishes to bring to a barbecue? Is it good with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and ribs?
For a Potluck:What are some of the best potluck recipes?
My family loves when I serve this with steamed broccoli or green beans. Is there a nutritional value in adding color to your meal?
How do you make Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta?
What is the best Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe?
Don’t overcook pasta!If you overcook pasta, the sauce will get mushy and the pasta will not cling to it. Cook it until it’s al dente, meaning it is still slightly firm to the bite.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Nobody wants soggy bacon in their pasta. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then drain it on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and the sauce well. Salt and pepper are your friends! I also like to add a little garlic powder and paprika to the chicken for extra flavor.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more sour cream or mayonnaise.
Don’t Skip the Fresh Chives: The fresh chives add a pop of flavor and freshness that really elevates this dish. If you don’t have chives, you can use green onions instead.
Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to this dish. Some great options include chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach.
I also like to experiment with different cheeses. Sometimes I’ll add a little Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese to the sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk to keep the pasta from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little milk or chicken broth to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce can separate and become watery when thawed.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to make the dish, just combine everything together with the ranch sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit with my family. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Pasta or my One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta. Happy cooking! And please tell me, what do you like to add to your Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta?
How to Make Creamy Turkey Spinach Pasta: 7 Easy Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese freshly grated for best results
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 pounds ground turkey lean preferred
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta can substitute with penne or rigatoni
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups baby spinach fresh
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, garlic powder, and basil to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
- Add heavy cream to the turkey mixture, stirring to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in spinach and grated mozzarella. Allow the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt.
- Combine the pasta with the turkey mixture. Toss well to coat and serve with chopped turkey bacon on top.
