If there’s one thing I never get tired of, it’s pasta, and this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is no exception to that rule! This delicious pasta dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and the bold goodness of ranch seasoning for a easy pasta dish that’s sure to please the entire family.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: The flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit for the whole family.
- Quick & Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this easy pasta recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect Leftovers: This pasta dish stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep and leftovers the next day or throughout the week.
- Comforting & Satisfying: This easy meal is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to satisfy your cozy food cravings.
Simple Ingredients
- Rotini Pasta
- Bacon
- Yellow Onion
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ranch Seasoning
- Minced Garlic
- Alfredo Sauce
- Cheddar Cheese
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
In a large pot, cook the pasta per package instructions until al dente. In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon and remove the bacon bits from the skillet to drain. Remove all bacon grease except for about 1-2 tablespoons worth. Add diced onion and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes then add the diced chicken breasts.
Season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and Ranch seasoning. Cook until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees (around 7-8 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Reduce to medium heat and add in the alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Bring the alfredo sauce to a simmer.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and about half the amount of cooked bacon pieces. Stir until well combined then top with shredded cheese and the remainder of bacon. Cover until cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
Tip and Tricks for Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy to add extra texture and flavor. Be sure to allow it to drain on paper towels to remove excess grease before adding it to the pasta.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. This will help prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the Alfredo sauce.
- Ranch Seasoning: Be sure to use Ranch Seasoning and not Ranch dressing. Using the wrong product will not produce the same ranch flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after mixing the pasta with the sauce for peak flavor and texture.
- Drain The Grease: Bacon can leave behind a significant amount of grease. After cooking, make sure to drain off all but about 1-2 tablespoons of the grease for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
How To Store Leftovers
- Cool Down: Allow the cooked pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Use Airtight Container: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This will help maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Freeze: I do not recommend freezing this dish. Previously cooked pasta becomes mushy after being frozen which will ruin the meal.
- Reheating: Next time you are ready to enjoy, reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or chicken broth to loosen the sauce up if needed.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? While you can use any kind of pasta shape you prefer, rotini pasta, penne pasta, or fettuccine work particularly well as they hold onto the sauce nicely.
- Can I add other ingredients? Yes! Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas, to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
- What can I serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta? This dish is very filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or green beans for a complete meal.
- Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken will fit perfectly in the dish. Just be sure to sprinkle some Ranch seasoning on top before adding it to mixture.
- Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce? Yes! If you have a homemade alfredo sauce recipe, feel free to use it over the jarred stuff
- What cheese can I use beside Cheddar cheese? You can substitute the cheddar cheese for mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese for a more similar flavor profile to Alfredo sauce.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stroganoff
Adjust Servings people
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 package Bacon diced and cooked
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 15 ounces Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta per package instructions. In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon and remove it from the skillet to drain. Remove all bacon grease except for about 1-2 tablespoons worth. Add diced onion and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes then add the diced chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and Ranch seasoning. Cook until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees (around 7-8 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add in the alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Bring the alfredo sauce to a simmer.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and about half the amount of cooked bacon pieces. Stir until well combined then top with shredded cheese and the remainder of bacon. Cover until cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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