There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that brings together everyone’s favorite flavors. This One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice convenience. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta all coated in a creamy ranch sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or clean up a mountain of dishes afterward. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my household, and I’m confident it will in yours too!
Why You’ll Love This
- Everything cooks in just one pan, meaning minimal cleanup
- Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- The creamy ranch sauce coats every bite with incredible flavor
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet or deep pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan and discard the rest.
- Add the diced chicken to the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season with garlic powder and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the crumbled bacon and gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the pasta. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
- Add 1-2 cups of fresh spinach or frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time – just add it when returning the bacon to the pan
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning, substitute with 1 tablespoon each of dried dill and dried parsley, plus 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions
- Any short pasta works well – try rotini, farfalle, or shells instead of penne
Serving Suggestions
This hearty one-pan meal is perfect on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
If you’re hosting a casual dinner party, this dish works beautifully as the main attraction alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete meal that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.
Notes
- The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so serve promptly for the creamiest texture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency
- The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready – if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well, though you may need to add a tablespoon of oil when cooking the chicken since it releases less fat.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify your ranch seasoning is gluten-free. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for the pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze well as they can separate upon thawing. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or as refrigerated leftovers within 3 days.
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