Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich ranch-seasoned cheese sauce that comes together in one skillet. It’s a weeknight favorite that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make — and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
🧾 Ingredients:
🧂 Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount & Notes |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 small |
| Bacon | 6 strips, cooked and chopped |
| Uncooked pasta | 2 cups (rotini recommended) |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
🧄 Sauce Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount & Notes |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Half and half | 2 cups |
| Dry ranch seasoning mix | 2 tablespoons |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook bacon slowly until crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and roughly chop once cooled.
- Pour bacon drippings into a small bowl and wipe the skillet clean.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts into 2–3 thinner pieces each.
- Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings (or oil) in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
3. Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Warm half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then add to the skillet gradually, stirring continuously.
- Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and gradually add shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Add chicken and stir until heated through.
- Top with chopped bacon or stir it in for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
