Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is comfort food at its finest – a creamy, savory dish that combines everyone’s favorite flavors into one irresistible meal. The tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing create a symphony of tastes that will have your family requesting this dish again and again.
I developed this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something satisfying that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. The result was this crowd-pleasing pasta that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and easy-to-make. It’s become a regular in our dinner rotation for good reason!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in about 45 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have
- One-pot cooking means less cleanup and more family time
- Creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite perfectly
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes
- Leftovers taste even better the next day for an easy lunch
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 package bacon, diced and cooked
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 15 ounces Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need it later.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add diced chicken breasts and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown on all sides.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine with the chicken mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with half of the cooked bacon. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir gently and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips & Variations
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and pepper jack for variety
- Make your own ranch seasoning mix with dried herbs if you prefer to control the ingredients
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve alongside some garlic bread or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
If you’re hosting a casual dinner party, this pasta makes an impressive main course. Just add a bottle of crisp white wine and some crusty bread for a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce
- The pasta is done when it’s still slightly firm to the bite (al dente)
- For best results, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and Italian herbs with a splash of buttermilk or regular milk.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch dressing is gluten-free.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
I don’t recommend freezing this dish as cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as refrigerated leftovers.
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