Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta cooked right in the sauce, and classic ranch flavor. It’s an easy, family-friendly weeknight meal that comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep sauté pan
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or silicon spatula
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups Gigli pasta (or penne, rotini, bowtie, or shells)
- 8 bacon strips, chopped
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided (use 3 cups initially, then add more as needed)
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Ranch seasoning mix, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
Optional Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (or white pepper)
- fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Step 1. Chop the bacon strips into approximately one inch long pieces and set aside. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces, set aside.
- Step 2. Add 2 tbsp olive oil into heated large skillet or deep pan. Add chopped bacon and cook it over medium heat until crispy (about 3 minutes). Remove and set aside, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Step 3. Add olive oil and butter to the pan. Add chicken, season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until browned and almost cooked through (about 5 minutes)
- Step 4. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add the Ranch seasoning mix and stir well.
- Step 5. Add the dry pasta, stir, cover, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add remaining broth as needed until pasta is tender or has reached the desired consistency (about 10-12 minutes)
- Step 6. Lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half and then the cooked bacon. Next add the shredded cheese and mix until smooth. Add fresh parsley if desired.
- Step 7. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed. Add parsley for garnish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Stir frequently while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- Add broth gradually to control sauce consistency.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.