There's nothing quite like the combination of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch in a comforting bowl of pasta. This dish brings together rich flavors and hearty textures, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends.

I first made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover grilled chicken. A little creativity and a few pantry staples later, I had a dish so delicious that my family now requests it regularly! It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—what's not to love?
Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Get ready to add this to your weekly dinner rotation! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is packed with everything you love in a comfort food dish.
First off, it's incredibly easy and quick to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you'll have a hot, satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort.
Next, it's budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients like pasta, chicken, and bacon means you can enjoy this flavorful dish without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget the amazing flavor combination. The smokiness of the bacon, the tangy richness of ranch, and the creaminess of the sauce all come together in every single bite.
Plus, this dish is versatile! Whether you prefer a lighter version with whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt or want to add some heat with red pepper flakes, you can easily customize it to your taste.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.
Pasta: I recommend using penne, rotini, or rigatoni because their ridged texture holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly. However, any pasta you have on hand will work just fine.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. I love using leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster and easier.
Bacon: Thick-cut, crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch. Cooking the bacon until perfectly crisp ensures the best texture in every bite.
Ranch Seasoning: A good quality ranch seasoning mix is key. It provides the perfect blend of herbs and spices that give this dish its signature flavor.
Cream and Cheese: A combination of heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese creates the luscious, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half and reduced-fat cheese.
You'll also need butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to bring everything together, along with a large skillet and saucepan for cooking.
How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Making this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time.
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but leave a bit of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.
Next, add a little butter to the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then, stir in the chicken and cook until it's heated through. If you’re using raw chicken, cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked before proceeding.
Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream along with the ranch seasoning mix. Stir well to combine, letting the sauce simmer and thicken slightly. Then, add the cheddar cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, crumble in the crispy bacon, giving everything a good mix.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, satisfying dish ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
For refrigeration, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
For freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with different ingredients!
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Want extra veggies? Stir in some spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
If you prefer a different cheese, try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
And if you're avoiding gluten, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep this dish completely GF-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know your favorite way to customize it!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
This chicken bacon ranch pasta is a rich and creamy dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch sauce. A perfect one-pot meal that's easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, then whisk in ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, cooking until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and bacon, stirring to combine.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
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