Print

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe Easy & Irresistible

creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta - featured image

A quick and easy comfort food featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: Additional grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated parmesan and garlic for better flavor.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.’, ‘Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.’, ‘Start cooking the bacon while the pasta boils to save time.’, ‘If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it out.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, quick weeknight meal