Description
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, this customizable dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Make the Ranch Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Everything:
- In the pot with the drained pasta, mix in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Pour the ranch sauce over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve or Bake (Optional):
- Serve as-is for a stovetop version, or transfer to a baking dish.
- For a baked version, sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Save Time: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon for a faster option.
- Add Veggies: Steamed broccoli or spinach pair well with this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Weeknight Pasta, Ranch Pasta with Bacon, Comfort Food Dinner