...
Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta with rotini, bacon bits, and chopped parsley served on a white plate with a fork.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch sauce in one irresistible comfort food dish that'll have your family asking for seconds every single time.
4 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Course : Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine : American, Comfort Food
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 20 minutes
Resting Time : 5 minutes
Total Time : 40 minutes
Servings : 6
Calories : 485kcal
Cost : $12.75
Author : Aliana Recipes

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or sauté pan For cooking bacon, chicken, and making the sauce
  • 1 Large pot To boil pasta water and cook noodles
  • 1 Whisk For making smooth ranch sauce without lumps
  • 1 Wooden spoon To combine pasta with sauce and ingredients

Ingredients
 

  • 12 slices bacon - Cook until crispy, save 2 tablespoon fat
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts - Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb uncooked pasta - Penne or rotini work best
  • 4 tablespoon butter - For making the roux
  • 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour - Creates creamy sauce base
  • 4 cloves garlic - Minced fresh for best flavor
  • 2 cups half and half - Don't substitute with milk
  • 1 packet dry ranch dressing seasoning mix - 1 oz packet, any brand
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese - Sharp cheddar preferred
  • 1 teaspoon salt - To taste, adjust as needed
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper - Freshly ground is best
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder - Adds depth to chicken seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - For seasoning the chicken

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels, but keep 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken in the bacon fat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
    Cooked and sliced seasoned chicken breasts with crispy bacon on ceramic plates – Prepare the Chicken of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in half and half, then ranch seasoning. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
    Creamy ranch sauce in progress – garlic, black pepper, and seasonings blended into a skillet with a blue spatula stirring. Make the Sauce of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Fold in sliced chicken and most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish. Add pasta water if needed for consistency. Serve immediately topped with remaining bacon.
    Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta being mixed in a skillet with a wooden spoon, and served on a plate with crispy bacon topping Combine Everything of the recipe

Notes

The secret to this incredible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is using that golden bacon fat to cook your chicken - it adds layers of smoky flavor that make every bite absolutely irresistible. My family goes crazy for the creamy ranch sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving : 200g | Calories : 485kcal | Carbohydrates : 38g | Protein : 28g | Fat : 24g | Saturated Fat : 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat : 2g | Monounsaturated Fat : 8g | Cholesterol : 85mg | Sodium : 920mg | Potassium : 420mg | Fiber : 2g | Sugar : 4g | Vitamin A : 680IU | Vitamin C : 2mg | Calcium : 180mg | Iron : 1.8mg