Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Introduction

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that blends creamy richness, bold flavors, and irresistible textures, look no further than Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This indulgent pasta dish combines juicy seared chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, and a luscious ranch-seasoned cream sauce that will have your whole family licking their plates clean. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish is always a winner.

Rooted in American home-cooking traditions, this creamy pasta is inspired by the popular flavor combination of ranch dressing, chicken, and bacon—an iconic trio that shows up across everything from sandwiches to casseroles. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the smokiness of bacon and the richness of cream. This recipe takes those ingredients and elevates them into a restaurant-worthy pasta that comes together easily in your own kitchen.

What makes this version special? It’s extra creamy, packed with protein, and can be made in under an hour from scratch! It’s a crowd-pleasing one-pot dinner that satisfies comfort food cravings while still being versatile enough to add your own twist. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (680 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5 g)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bacon

8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 225 g), chopped

For the Pasta

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta (340 g)
Salt for pasta water

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 g)
2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce / 28 g) or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water for later use.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Prepare the chicken: While bacon cooks, season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Add olive oil to the same skillet with bacon grease. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature). Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add dairy: Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Season the sauce: Stir in the ranch seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by the chicken and most of the bacon (reserve a little for garnish). Toss everything gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining bacon and chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Tip: For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of cream cheese into the sauce before adding the pasta.
Optional: Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Variations

Control the creaminess: Adjust the ratio of heavy cream and milk for a richer or lighter sauce. You can also substitute half-and-half if desired.
Use rotisserie chicken: Skip cooking raw chicken by shredding store-bought rotisserie chicken—this shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
Vegetable add-ins: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for an extra nutritional boost and color.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring until warmed through.
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Make-Ahead Tips

Cook the bacon and chicken up to 2 days ahead—store separately in the fridge.
The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container; reheat gently before combining with pasta.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Estimated):

Calories: 670
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 41 g
Fiber: 2 g

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the kind of recipe that brings the whole family to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds. With its comforting creamy sauce, savory chicken, and decadent bacon, it checks every box for a satisfying home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough for a cozy Sunday dinner.

Serve this pasta with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread for a truly complete comfort food feast. Have you made this dish? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your own twist on it. Don’t forget to pin and share this recipe for others to enjoy too!