There's nothing quite like the comforting blend of flavors in Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Picture tender pieces of chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a creamy ranch-infused sauce—it's a dish that brings the family together around the dinner table.
I discovered this gem of a recipe during a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. It has since become one of our favorite meals, with its irresistible flavors and easy preparation. Ready to make this your next go-to dinner? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this deliciously creamy pasta dish. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes for a busy cook.
First, it’s unbelievably simple to make. From prep to plate, you can have this hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
It’s also a one-pan wonder! Less time washing dishes means more time savoring every bite with your loved ones.
The flavors? Oh, they’re divine. The smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and tangy ranch seasoning combine for a mouthwatering experience that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Lastly, this recipe is highly customizable. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or use what you have on hand, ensuring it’s just as convenient as it is tasty.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta lies in its well-balanced combination of ingredients, each chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Let’s talk pasta. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties work best here, as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture.
For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs add a bit more richness, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly—perfect for this recipe.
Bacon is the star of the show, lending its smoky, salty goodness to every bite. For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked bacon, but freshly cooked bacon has unbeatable flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. It’s packed with herbs, spices, and that signature tangy flavor. A packet works great, or you can use a homemade blend if you prefer.
To create the creamy base, a mix of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese is unbeatable. The cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture, while Parmesan adds depth and a nutty flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget your optional garnishes: chopped parsley for a fresh touch and extra Parmesan for good measure.
How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Making this pasta dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Start by cooking your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning. Sauté it in the bacon drippings until cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in the remaining ranch seasoning. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, and sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.
From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying—a true weeknight lifesaver.
Storage Options
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
If you’d like to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs.
Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
For added vegetables, stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or peas when mixing the pasta with the sauce.
If you’re not a fan of chicken, substitute it with cooked shrimp, sausage, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle on some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Feel free to experiment with cheeses, too. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add extra creaminess and flavor.
With so many options, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe, loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy ranch-flavored sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add milk, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Gradually whisk in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Toss in cooked pasta and mix until well combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add an additional ½ cup of heavy cream.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
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