Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. The sauce is rich, smooth, and packed with herbs, making every bite feel cozy and satisfying.
I love making this pasta when I want something that feels special but comes together quickly. The crispy bacon adds a nice crunch, while the chicken keeps it hearty and filling. It’s a recipe that always gets compliments and a few happy requests for seconds or even thirds!
My favorite way to serve this is with a simple green salad and some warm garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when friends come over and I want to make something everyone will enjoy. I find that letting the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken up just right, making it even more delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and quick cooking. You can swap with chicken thighs for juicier meat or even rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Bacon: Bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor. Turkey bacon works well if you want a leaner option, though it’s less crispy. You can also use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
Ranch seasoning mix: This gives the signature flavor. If unavailable, make your own with dried dill, parsley, garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Greek yogurt or sour cream can boost creaminess, too.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt nicely for a creamy, cheesy sauce. If you want a sharper taste, try replacing mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack. Parmesan boosts savory depth.
How Can I Make the Sauce Creamy Without It Separating?
Keeping your sauce smooth and creamy is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook the cheeses in warm liquid gently over medium heat to let them melt slowly.
- Whisk often to prevent clumps and sticking at the bottom.
- Don’t boil the sauce hard; a gentle simmer prevents the cream from separating.
- If sauce feels too thick, add a little milk or broth to loosen it up.
- Adding the ranch seasoning mix early and whisking it well helps distribute flavor evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to boil the pasta easily and quickly.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking the chicken, bacon, and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – fun to stir the ingredients without scratching the pan.
- Colander – helps drain the cooked pasta without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps everything precise and easy to follow.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cook with shredded cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different protein twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to bring in extra veggies and flavor.
- Stir in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat.
- Mix in different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a new cheesy flavor.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and bacon, 10 minutes cooking the pasta, and another 5-10 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat if needed. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, milk, and chicken broth. Whisk in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.
5. Add Cheese and Combine:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt fully into the sauce. Once melted and creamy, add the cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta topped with crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Enjoy your creamy, savory, and satisfying Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can cook the chicken, bacon, and sauce ahead, store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch mix, combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to mimic the flavor. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance creaminess.
