There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch-infused sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta never disappoints. This recipe has been trending lately because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity.
You get the richness of a homemade cheese sauce with the ease of pantry-friendly ingredients. Plus, ranch seasoning takes it up a notch, adding a tangy, herby punch that keeps you coming back for more.
One of the best parts? It’s a one-pan wonder when you plan it right. Cook your bacon first, use the drippings to brown the chicken, and then let everything come together in a silky, flavorful sauce. No need for complicated steps—just pure comfort food at its finest. Want to lighten things up? Serve it with a fresh, crunchy Coleslaw or a refreshing Cucumber Salad to balance the richness.
This dish is also perfect for meal prep—reheat it the next day, and the flavors become even better. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a must-try. Now, let’s talk about why you’ll love it as much as I do!
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
- Crispy bacon in every bite – The smoky crunch of bacon takes this pasta to the next level.
- Super creamy, no heavy cream needed – The combination of cream cheese and milk makes for a luscious sauce without overloading on fat.
- Easy enough for a weeknight – With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a quick 30-minute meal.
- Great for leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
- Kid-approved & crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves the classic combo of chicken, bacon, and ranch!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 4 thick-cut bacon slices
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups 2% milk
- ½ cup reserved pasta water Optional
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 5 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water if needed.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside, leaving a bit of grease in the pan.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in cream cheese and ranch seasoning until melted and combined. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 606kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Potassium | 518mg |
| Sodium | 670mg |
Most Useful Tips For This Recipe!
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture – Regular bacon can get too crispy and disappear into the dish. Thick-cut bacon holds up better, adding that perfect smoky crunch.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Aim for just under al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. This keeps it from getting mushy.
- Layer the ranch seasoning – Instead of dumping it all in at once, season the chicken while cooking, then add more to the sauce. This builds a deeper, more balanced flavor.
- Save some pasta water – If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen it without making it runny. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Crisp up the bacon last minute – If you love extra crunch, set aside half the cooked bacon and sprinkle it on top just before serving instead of mixing it all in.
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor – Adding a little shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan to the sauce makes it even more indulgent and enhances the depth of flavor.
- Make it a baked dish – Pour everything into a baking dish, top with more cheese and crispy bacon, then broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving – This allows the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta, making every bite more flavorful and creamy.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
