Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta delivers comfort fast with chicken, bacon, pasta, ranch seasoning, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Sauce
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add‑Ins
- Fresh parsley or chives chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Spinach or peas for color
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy and the fat has rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the ranch seasoning.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The sauce should become silky and rich, coating the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.