There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing coming together in a bowl of pasta. This dish is the perfect mix of indulgence and simplicity, making it a family favorite.

I first whipped up this recipe on a busy weeknight, and it was love at first bite! The smoky bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch sauce nestled in al dente pasta have earned it a permanent spot on our dinner rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a star at the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe! Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pan for most of the cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is short, but you still want something homemade.
The flavor is out of this world. Smoky bacon, savory chicken, and the tangy richness of ranch seasoning blend seamlessly into a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. This is comfort food at its finest!
This recipe is also super versatile. Whether you prefer gluten-free pasta, turkey bacon, or even adding extra veggies, you can tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Finally, leftovers are just as good – if not better! The flavors meld overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or an easy next-day lunch.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a crave-worthy dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient is key.
- Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for this pasta dish. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Don’t discard the bacon grease – it adds depth to the sauce.
- Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini works best here. Their ridges hold onto the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning: A packet of dry ranch seasoning is the star of the show. It brings all the tangy, herby goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Cream and Cheese: Use heavy cream for a rich, luxurious sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan for a nutty, cheesy finish.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds a subtle savory base to the sauce while keeping it from becoming too heavy.
If you have a large skillet or sauté pan, it will make cooking and mixing everything together a breeze. A wooden spoon for stirring and a sharp knife for chopping are all the tools you’ll need.
How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creating this delicious dish is a straightforward process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
- Cook the Bacon: Start by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Reserve about two tablespoons of the bacon grease for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the diced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook it in the reserved bacon grease until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Storage Options
One of the best things about Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is how well it stores! Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing the container.
- Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Protein Swaps: Use turkey bacon, diced ham, or cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a twist on the original.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a veggie-packed meal.
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Most work beautifully in this recipe!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy, tangy bite.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a dollop of cream cheese for an even creamier sauce.
Feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of this recipe. The possibilities are endless!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is comfort food done right – quick, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, and pasta for a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and pasta. Stir until well combined. Add pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
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