Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
🛒 Ingredients
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini work best)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra cheesiness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
If not already cooked, season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Dice or shred and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and chopped bacon into the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. If using mozzarella, sprinkle it in and stir until melted for extra creaminess.
6️⃣ Final Touch
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Garlic bread
A fresh green salad
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
✔ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
✔ For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with more heavy cream.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is pure comfort in every bite—cheesy, smoky, and bursting with ranch flavor. Perfect for sharing with family and friends! 😍
