Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining three beloved flavors into one incredibly creamy, savory, and satisfying dish. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal by building layers of flavor—starting with bacon rendered slowly to create a flavorful cooking fat, then using that same skillet to sear seasoned chicken breasts to golden perfection. The rich, creamy sauce begins with a classic roux made in the rendered bacon drippings and butter, then gets its distinctive tang from dry ranch seasoning and its luxurious texture from a combination of half-and-half and melted cheddar cheese. Tossed with rotini pasta whose spirals capture every drop of the velvety sauce, this dish delivers the perfect bite in every forkful, with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta enveloped in a sauce that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
What makes this pasta exceptional is its thoughtful cooking process and the way each component contributes to the final flavor profile. Cooking the bacon low and slow renders the fat perfectly while keeping the strips tender for chopping later. Using the bacon drippings to sear the chicken infuses it with a subtle smokiness that complements the ranch seasoning beautifully. The sauce technique—tempering the half-and-half before adding it to the roux—prevents curdling and ensures a silky smooth consistency. The dry ranch seasoning does double duty, providing both the characteristic herb-garlic flavor and helping to season the sauce without needing additional salt. This is the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Three Favorite Flavors: Combines the classic trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch in one dish
• Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: A rich, velvety cheese sauce with the tangy kick of ranch
• One-Skillet Wonder: Builds layers of flavor using the same pan for efficiency
• Family-Friendly Appeal: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults
Ingredients:
• 6 strips bacon
• 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Prepare Chicken
• In a large skillet over low heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet. Roughly chop bacon once cooled.
• Slice chicken breasts horizontally into 2-3 thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
• Heat reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer chicken to a plate, let rest 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
• While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
• In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Warm half-and-half in microwave for 40 seconds, then gradually whisk into the roux. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce heat to low, add ranch seasoning, and gradually stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
• Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in chicken and heat through.
• Garnish with chopped bacon or stir it directly into the pasta. Serve immediately.
Tips:
• Don’t Rush the Bacon: Cooking bacon slowly over low heat renders more fat and creates a better texture
•Slice Chicken Thinly: Creating thinner cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and tender results
•Temper the Dairy: Warming the half-and-half prevents curdling when added to the roux
•Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
•Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess
•Freezing: Not recommended as the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together three classic flavors in one creamy, satisfying dish. Its perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and cheesy elements makes it a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
