Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of pasta? Especially when it’s loaded with creamy sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and that irresistible ranch flavor! This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Dinner is the ultimate weeknight meal – quick enough for busy evenings, satisfying enough to feel like a treat, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Forget ordering takeout, because this homemade version is SO much better (and probably healthier!). We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy ranch sauce, studded with juicy chicken and smoky bacon. Get ready to make your family’s new favorite dinner!

Why You’ll Love This

Flavor Explosion: The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch is a classic for a reason! It’s savory, smoky, and utterly delicious.
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this creamy, comforting pasta dish.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage.
Uses Simple Ingredients: You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Whisk
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Ranch Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
Add Milk & Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the ranch seasoning.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and bacon to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
Use Good Quality Bacon: The bacon flavor really shines through, so choose a brand you enjoy.
Adjust Ranch Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more ranch seasoning if you prefer a stronger ranch flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Add Veggies: Broccoli, peas, or spinach would be delicious additions to this pasta. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.
For a Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk and add it to the sauce while simmering.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it might be slightly drier when reheated. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Dinner

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Author: Amelia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy and cheesy with pieces of shredded rotisserie chicken and salty, thick-cut bacon. A quick and easy flavor-packed, one-pot dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. dry short pasta (Campanelle is pictured)

3 tsp olive oil

6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced small

3 tbsp reserved bacon grease

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp flour

3 cups whole milk

1 packet ranch seasoning, or homemade

2 oz. cream cheese, cubed

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

2 heaping cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast, or any cooked chicken

Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional cheese and crumbled bacon, for serving

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining pasta, then drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat, to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. In the same pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Reserve 3 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pot. Over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 20 seconds until fragrant. Add flour and stir 1-2 minutes until no white patches remain, reducing the heat if it begins to brown. Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time to incorporate and then bring to a boil. Boil for 2-3 minutes until thick.

4. Remove pot from the heat. Whisk in Monterey Jack cheese, ranch seasoning, and the cream cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and most of the cooked bacon (reserving some for garnish), stir to incorporate. Place back on low heat for a couple minutes to re-warm pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out, if needed.

6. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with more cheese and crumbled bacon. The sauce will thicken pretty fast as it stands.

Notes

For homemade ranch seasoning, combine 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dill, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.

This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 675
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 438mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 104mg