Description
This Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for a hearty meal. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused cheese sauce tossed with pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and ranch seasoning mix; cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and most of the crispy bacon (reserve some for garnish). Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time or swap in turkey or sausage for a different protein.
- This dish reheats well and can be prepared ahead for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream and cheese or substitute with low-fat options.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and freshness.
