If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This creamy pasta dish is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce infused with ranch seasoning, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning, along with al dente rotini pasta, creates a dish that’s satisfying and bursting with flavor.
In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to make this indulgent meal, along with variations and tips for making it your own.
Overview of the Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta brings together several crowd-pleasing ingredients: juicy chicken, crisp bacon, ranch seasoning, and a creamy cheese sauce. The pasta is tossed in this savory, cheesy sauce and then topped with bacon and tender chicken for a rich, delicious dish that can be made in just over 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting, homemade pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: For a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- 6 strips of bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the chicken and pasta.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the chicken and sauce.
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein.
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta: Rotini holds the sauce well; you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Helps create the roux for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups half and half: Creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix: Adds the signature ranch flavor that ties the dish together.
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the 6 strips of bacon over low heat until they’re crisp and golden. Cooking on low ensures the bacon crisps up evenly without burning. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet to cook the chicken later. Once the bacon has cooled, roughly chop it into small pieces for garnish.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the bacon is cooking, slice the 2 chicken breasts into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat and add the chicken slices to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
3. Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 2 cups of rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken and bacon, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in the 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing seasoning mix and the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Then, gently fold in the cubed chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish. The sauce should be creamy and cling to the pasta and chicken.
6. Garnish with Bacon and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top of the pasta. Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm and enjoy its rich, savory flavors. You can garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is rich and hearty, making it a filling meal on its own. However, you can pair it with a few light and refreshing sides to balance out the flavors:
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread or breadsticks is perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Crispy French Fries: For an indulgent twist, serve with crispy French fries or tater tots.
Variations of the Recipe
While the basic Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is delicious, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese or replace half of the cheddar with a lower-fat cheese to cut back on calories and fat. You can also swap the half and half for milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Different Cheese Blends: Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce for a little extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce.
Health Benefits and Notes
While Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is rich and indulgent, it can still offer some nutritional benefits, particularly if you modify the recipe. Here are some tips to make the dish a bit healthier:
- Lean Protein: By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’re incorporating lean protein into the dish, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you fuller longer.
- Healthy Fats: Consider using a healthier fat option like olive oil for cooking the chicken instead of using bacon drippings.
- Vegetable Additions: Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutrient content of the dish.
- Lower Fat Dairy: You can use low-fat cheese or half and half to reduce the calorie content while still maintaining a creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta, chicken, and sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or half and half to loosen the sauce.
2. Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra liquid as needed.
3. What other pasta shapes can I use?
If you don’t have rotini on hand, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, bowtie (farfalle), or rigatoni. These shapes hold up well with creamy sauces.
4. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the seasoning mix?
While the dry ranch seasoning mix adds more concentrated flavor, you can substitute with 1/4 cup of prepared ranch dressing. Be aware that this might make the sauce a bit thinner, so adjust the amount of half and half if needed.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta in a rich, cheesy ranch-flavored sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with some variations, this pasta dish is a winner every time.
Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, creamy, and savory meal!
