Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This comforting pasta dish features tender diced chicken and crispy bacon, seasoned with ranch and paprika, tossed with rotini in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Sweet onions and minced garlic add depth, while shredded cheddar on top offers the perfect cheesy finish. Sautéed aromatics blend with ranch-seasoned chicken for robust flavor, and mixing bacon throughout delivers smoky goodness in every bite. The meal comes together easily in one skillet and is finished off under a blanket of melted cheese, making it great for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Serve piping hot for ultimate comfort.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:04:48 GMT
A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. Save
A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. | lilicooks.com

Creamy and packed with flavor this chicken bacon ranch pasta is a weeknight dinner my family begs for when comfort food is on the menu The smoky bacon tender chicken ranch seasoning and gooey cheddar come together in a sauce that hugs every twist of pasta

I first whipped this up on a night when everyone seemed hungry for something cheesy and filling It was an instant hit and now I keep these ingredients handy just in case

Ingredients

  • Rotini pasta: This spiral shaped noodle expertly holds the creamy ranchy sauce Look for bronze die cut pasta for best texture
  • Bacon: Choose a thick cut for more meaty bites Crisping it well in the pan delivers that irresistible smoky crunch
  • Yellow onion: A little sweet sharpness that helps build flavor Use a fresh firm onion for best results
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced small ensures quick even cooking Opt for organic chicken if possible for great texture
  • Paprika: Adds beautiful color and subtle warmth Reach for sweet or smoked for a deeper layer
  • Garlic powder: An easy way to boost savory notes Choose a fresh jar for the most intense flavor
  • Onion powder: Bumps up those background savory flavors again fresher jars give a noticeable edge
  • Ranch seasoning: Brings zesty herby tang Go for a quality blend with real dried herbs
  • Minced garlic: Freshly minced delivers aromatic richness Chop it fine for even cooking
  • Alfredo sauce: Creamy base for the sauce Look for one with minimal fillers and plenty of parmesan
  • Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pools Aim for a block you can shred yourself rather than pre shredded

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot bring water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions until al dente Drain and set aside so the noodles do not overcook
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium high heat cook diced bacon until crisp then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towel Reserve about two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor
Sauté Onion and Chicken:
Add diced yellow onion to the hot bacon fat Cook it down for two to three minutes until soft and fragrant Add diced chicken cook it while tossing often Sprinkle the chicken with paprika garlic powder onion powder and ranch seasoning Make sure each piece gets coated and let it cook until fully done and no longer pink inside This takes about seven to eight minutes
Build the Sauce:
Stir in the minced garlic and give it a minute to become aromatic Pour in the alfredo sauce Stir to combine and let it simmer gently so flavors meld
Combine Everything:
Add the drained rotini directly to the skillet Add about half the cooked bacon Mix everything until the pasta is glossy and coated with sauce
Finish and Serve:
Scatter the cheddar cheese across the top Add remaining bacon Cover until cheese melts completely Scoop up and serve steaming and gooey
A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. Save
A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. | lilicooks.com

I have always loved the combination of ranch with cheddar cheese There is something about the tangy herbs with sharp cheese that makes each bite mouthwateringly delicious My youngest always helps sprinkle on the bacon at the end and that has become our little tradition

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce thickens as it sits so add a glug of milk when reheating in a skillet to bring it creamy again Avoid microwaving too long or bacon can get chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap rotini for penne or fusilli Any short pasta will do For a lighter option try turkey bacon For extra green add a handful of spinach or broccoli florets to the skillet when adding the sauce

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is hearty enough for a meal on its own but sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables Leftovers make a fantastic packed lunch and my family likes to jazz it up with extra ranch drizzle

A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. Save
A dish of chicken bacon ranch pasta. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Historical Context

Chicken bacon ranch pasta is a classic example of American comfort cooking It draws inspiration from the famous ranch dressing invented in the midtwentieth century in California Combining ranch flavors with creamy pasta and bacon creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Rotini is ideal, as its spirals hold the creamy sauce and bacon well, but penne or fusilli also work nicely.

→ Can I use precooked chicken?

Yes, simply dice and warm precooked chicken in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the sauce.

→ How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?

Reserve some bacon for topping after assembly, which helps maintain a crispy texture when serving.

→ Is homemade Alfredo sauce an option?

Absolutely—substitute with your favorite homemade Alfredo for a fresher, richer flavor.

→ What cheeses pair well with this pasta?

Cheddar adds sharpness, but you can also blend mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a melty, creamy finish.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Tender pasta, savory chicken, bacon, and cheddar blend in creamy ranch Alfredo for a satisfying main dish.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 12 ounces rotini pasta
02 1 package bacon, diced and cooked
03 ½ yellow onion, diced
04 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
05 1 teaspoon paprika
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
09 1 tablespoon minced garlic
10 15 ounces alfredo sauce
11 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and drain. Retain about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 03

Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (about 7-8 minutes).

Step 04

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 05

Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with half of the cooked bacon. Stir until well combined.

Step 06

Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon. Cover the skillet until the cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 740
  • Fats: 36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 45 g