Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich ranch-seasoned cheese sauce that comes together in one skillet. It’s a weeknight favorite that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make — and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
🍽️ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
🧾 Ingredients:
🧂 Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount & Notes |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 small |
| Bacon | 6 strips, cooked and chopped |
| Uncooked pasta | 2 cups (rotini recommended) |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
🧄 Sauce Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount & Notes |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Half and half | 2 cups |
| Dry ranch seasoning mix | 2 tablespoons |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook bacon slowly until crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and roughly chop once cooled.
- Pour bacon drippings into a small bowl and wipe the skillet clean.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts into 2–3 thinner pieces each.
- Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings (or oil) in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
3. Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Warm half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then add to the skillet gradually, stirring continuously.
- Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and gradually add shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Add chicken and stir until heated through.
- Top with chopped bacon or stir it in for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
