Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta in a delicious, quick one-pot meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Short Pasta Use penne or rotini for better texture.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Can substitute with boneless, skinless thighs.
  • 3 tsp Ranch Seasoning Hidden Valley or a homemade mix works well.
For the Bacon
  • 4 oz Bacon Applewood smoked is delightful.
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can be swapped with half-and-half.
  • 3/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water Don't skip this crucial ingredient!
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese Feel free to adjust to taste.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook Bacon: Dice the bacon into small pieces and fry them in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, season them generously with ranch seasoning and a sprinkle of sea salt. Sauté in the bacon fat over medium heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pan.
  4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic until it's lightly golden and fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the reserved pasta water; bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 3 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold in the drained pasta, additional ranch seasoning, cooked chicken, and crispy bacon into the sauce. Let it cook together for a minute or two to meld flavors.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat, giving everything a good stir. Dish out portions and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for a delightful finish.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!