→ What types of pasta work best in this dish?
Short shapes like rotini, penne, bow tie, or rigatoni all hold the creamy sauce and bacon pieces effectively.
→ Can I substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian options?
Yes, turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives work; adjust cooking time so they crisp properly for texture.
→ How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?
Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour and avoid overcooking by monitoring them closely over medium-high heat.
→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Prepare components in advance and combine just before serving; reheat with a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy chicken pasta with bacon, cheddar, and ranch, offering a comforting, flavorful dish for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Susan
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 Servings (One large skillet of pasta)
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Main Components
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 strips bacon
2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie)
→ Sauce and Seasonings
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups half and half or whole milk
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
Shred cheddar cheese and let it sit at room temperature to ensure smooth melting.
Let bacon rest at room temperature for 5 minutes, then cut into squares using kitchen scissors.
Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add bacon and cook slowly, turning occasionally for even crisping. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the skillet.
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss chicken in flour to coat evenly.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
Add minced garlic to the skillet with reserved drippings. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
Warm the half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds. Gradually whisk into the skillet with garlic, blending thoroughly.
Slowly whisk in shredded cheddar and ranch seasoning mix, stirring frequently until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat with sauce evenly.
Reduce heat to low. Allow sauce to thicken briefly. Crumble cooked bacon and sprinkle over pasta before plating.
Notes
Warming cheese to room temperature prevents clumping and promotes creamy blending in the sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Large pot
Kitchen scissors
Whisk
Microwave-safe container
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
