Print

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch cheese sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 g) cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for crisping bacon)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then chop into small crunchy pieces. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add chicken pieces seasoned with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing, ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, ½ cup (120 g) softened cream cheese, and ½ cup (120 g) small-curd cottage cheese. Whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic and stir.
  5. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick. Heat for 2 more minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
  7. Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with crispy bacon crunch and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Use room temperature dairy products for a smoother sauce. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispiness. Avoid overheating cheese to prevent sauce separation. For leftovers, reheat gently on stove with splash of milk or pasta water and add crispy bacon just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, bacon ranch pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-with-crispy-bacon-crunch/