Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This hearty pasta dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese all baked together for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue baking in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken and bacon
- Cook chicken breast in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Dice or shred.
- In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the ranch cream sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, and bacon
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon with the creamy ranch sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella until everything is coated and cheesy.
Step 5: Bake until golden
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the rest of the bacon on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, savory goodness.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon to cut prep time in half.
- Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream, or use turkey bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 640 | 34g | 45g | 34g | 3g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is one of those comfort-food classics you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy baked pasta dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. With creamy ranch flavor, smoky bacon, and cheesy layers, this dish is bound to disappear fast — so don’t forget to grab a plate before it’s gone!