The perfect easy pasta recipe for busy weeknight dinners!
Made in less than 30 minutes this Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta has an incredible flavor combination with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh bell peppers tossed in a light, zesty cream sauce.
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Jump to:
- Why you will love this cheesy bacon ranch pasta
- Ingredients to make ranch bacon chicken pasta
- How to cook the perfect chicken breast in the oven
- How to cook bacon in the oven
- Kitchen supplies to make Bacon Ranch Pasta
- How to make creamy bacon ranch chicken pasta
- How to store this bacon pasta recipe
- Tips for making bacon chicken ranch pasta
- What should I serve with chicken pasta?
- More creamy pasta dish recipes
My son has been obsessed with ranch dressing for years. He likes it on pizza, steak, and potatoes and even drizzles it on some breakfast dishes.
Because we love comfort food around here, I made the recipe with him in mind, and boy, was he impressed!
You might need to double this one. It's so good!
Why you will love this cheesy bacon ranch pasta
Quick and easy - This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Comfort food - Even though it's comfort food, this recipe is lighter than a mac and cheese recipe, and it has so much flavor!
Ranch and bacon - I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for a creamy ranch sauce, and anything with bacon is up my alley.
Family favorite - It's simply a delicious pasta dish repeatedly requested at my house.
Ingredients to make ranch bacon chicken pasta
- Cooked skinless chicken breasts - Cooked diced chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken works great. See below for the best way to cook chicken breasts in the oven!
- Bow tie pasta - Otherwise known as Farfalle. Any short pasta, such as, penne pasta, rigatoni noodles, or elbow macaroni will work.
- Diced red bell pepper - Diced up small is the way I like it in this dish.
- Bacon - Real bacon bits will give you the best flavor.
- Ranch dressing - Use liquid ranch salad dress, not the ranch dressing dry mix.
- Jalapeno cheddar cheese - I consistently find Kraft's version of Jalapeno cheddar at our local grocery, but you could use another brand. If you aren't crazy about spicy, substitute Monterrey Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, or sharp cheddar cheese.
- Half & Half - If you don't have any on hand, heavy cream or milk will work as a substitute. I have even used skim milk.
- Green onions - Sprinkle over the top when serving.
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley - Optional
How to cook the perfect chicken breast in the oven
- Pound chicken breast to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Salt and pepper chicken breast.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165.
The high heat plus the short cook time make the chicken super juicy and tender.
How to cook bacon in the oven
- In an even layer, place bacon onto a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until it's as crispy as you like. Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain any excess grease. Finish by crumbling bacon before adding to this chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe.
- Find more tips for cooking bacon in the oven here.
Kitchen supplies to make Bacon Ranch Pasta
How to make creamy bacon ranch chicken pasta
STEP 1: Cook pasta according to package directions. I usually cook my pasta just past al dente if you will serve it immediately and just under al dente if you plan to warm the casserole in the oven before serving.
Toss the pasta into the sauce immediately after it is finished cooking. I do not rinse the pasta.
STEP 2: In a large skillet add diced red bell pepper over medium-high heat and saute for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
STEP 3: Add diced chicken pieces, cooked bacon, ranch dressing, half and half, and cheese. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated, the cheese begins to melt, and you get a creamy cheese sauce.
STEP 4: Add cooked pasta to skillet and mix until pasta is completely coated with the sauce.
STEP 5: Transfer to a serving dish (or eat it right out of the skillet), sprinkle with green onion, and serve immediately.
How to store this bacon pasta recipe
Fridge: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating pasta, add 2 - 3 tablespoons of milk.
Freezer: You can freeze leftover pasta for up to 3 months. When rewarming, add a bit of milk or ranch dressing to loosen the pasta.
Tips for making bacon chicken ranch pasta
- If you plan to serve the pasta immediately, do not rinse the pasta.
- If you plan to heat the pasta later in a casserole dish, you will want to cook it just under al dente and rinse it to stop cooking.
- You can use whichever cheese you like best, but I like the jalapeno cheddar. It's not too spicy and gives the pasta a distinct flavor. I'm kind of obsessed with this cheese flavor. It's so good with crackers, too!
- I used bottled ranch salad dressing. You could make a homemade ranch for the recipe, but don't use the dry mix directly with the pasta.
What should I serve with chicken pasta?
I recommend cheesy garlic bread and a simple garden salad. Consider a fun dessert like Oreo Milkshakes to finish up the meal.
