When it comes to cozy family dinners, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is my go-to dish that never fails to impress. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon always bring back memories of lazy weekends filled with laughter and good food.
I’ll never forget the moment my kids declared it their “new favorite” after just one bite. It quickly became a staple in our home—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings when we want something comforting and delicious. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta truly brings everyone together around the table.
Table of Contents
KEY BENEFITS OF CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA
- Quick and easy to make
- Family-friendly favorite
- Perfect for busy nights
- Budget-friendly
- Crowd-pleasing flavors
- Great for leftovers
INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Leave drippings in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add ranch dressing and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir and heat on low for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Add shredded chicken and half the cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Fold in bacon, then top with remaining cheddar and chopped green onions before serving.
more reicpe
- Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
- Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Irresistible Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Coconut Lime Refresher
PRO TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- Swap penne for any pasta shape.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Serve with garlic bread for a full meal.
HOW TO SERVE
Serving Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is always a cozy experience. I love plating generous portions and gathering everyone for a relaxed family night. It pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread.
My husband enjoys it with iced tea, while the kids love lemonade. Watching everyone enjoy this creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta makes every meal feel special—it’s not just food, it’s a memory.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What side dishes work well?
Fresh salads, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze before adding bacon and cheese. Thaw overnight, then reheat and finish the recipe.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the creamy, familiar flavors, making it perfect for family dinners.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Ingredients
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble the bacon, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the ranch dressing and heavy cream. Stir well until combined and heat on low for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon and just before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped green onions on top.