Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

5 from 30 votes

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is full of juicy chicken, a creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. This weeknight meal is always a hit with the entire famly.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 630kcal

Author: Corinne Schmitt

Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot

Ingredients

5 slices Bacon Cooked and Chopped
3 cups Chicken chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 cups Dry Pasta we used Bowtie/Farfalle
1 Tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
8 ounces Cream Cheese softened (as desired)
1 cup Sour Cream
1/2 cup Milk as desired (optional)
1-2 cups Chicken Broth as needed
1 cup Cheddar Cheese
1 Green Onion sliced thin

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon to your preferred level of doneness.
Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot bacon grease and cook until browned all over and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (approximately 6-8 minutes).
Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.
Remove the chicken to a clean plate as you prepare the ranch sauce.
Wipe out the skillet and add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir as the cream cheese melts. Add a bit more broth or milk to achieve a smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Season with ranch seasoning, to taste.
Chop the bacon and add all but a couple tablespoons to the skillet, along with 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and chicken. Stir to combine.
Add the pasta and stir to coat.
Sprinkle on remaining cheese, bacon and the green onions before serving.

Video

Notes

If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
I like to use hickory-flavored bacon in this recipe, but you can use any type of bacon that you have on hand. You can use any type of pasta for this recipe.
I used bowtie pasta, but rotini or penne pasta would also be good. Don't forget to add a little bit of salt to the pasta water to help flavor the pasta.
Make sure that the chicken is completely cooked all the way through before you serve this pasta recipe.
If you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken on hand you can use it for this recipe instead.
Add more flavor to the chicken by seasoning it with garlic and onion powder.
You can also add steamed vegetables such as peas, spinach, and broccoli to make this a full meal.

Nutrition