Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This creamy one-pan Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a rich, cheesy ranch sauce—all made in one skillet for easy cleanup. Ready in under an hour and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over low heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Slice chicken into thinner pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove, rest 5 minutes, then cube.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add half and half, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Chop bacon and sprinkle over the top. Toss gently and serve hot.
Notes
Tip: Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.