Heavenly Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe in One Pan

Comfort food reaches new heights with this one pan creamy ranch bacon chicken pasta that promises to become an instant dinner favorite.

Weeknight meals rarely get this delicious and effortless.

Crispy bacon bits and tender chicken mingle with perfectly cooked pasta in a luxuriously smooth ranch-infused sauce.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

The magic happens in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Why Everyone’s Talking About One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Streamline Kitchen Cleanup: Enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This one-pan wonder means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
• Boost Flavor Explosion: Crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that'll have everyone asking for seconds. The rich, indulgent flavors make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and Satisfying Weeknight Solution: Perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you'll have a comforting dinner on the table in no time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own. The flexible nature of this dish allows for personal touches and creative twists.

The Essentials for One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender diced meat that serves as the main protein for the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds a smoky crunch to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious base for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy texture and adds sharp flavor to the pasta.
• Ranch Dressing: Brings tangy and herbal notes to enhance the overall taste.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle and aromatic seasoning to the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Offers a mild spicy kick to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish.

Quick Guide: One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Add diced chicken to the skillet with reserved bacon grease.

• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns golden and is fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Pasta Base

Add uncooked penne pasta to the skillet with chicken.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Lower heat to medium-low.

Cover skillet with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.

Cook until pasta becomes tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Ranch dressing

Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Fold in crumbled bacon.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta.

Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Winning Advice for One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Save and use bacon grease for an extra layer of rich, smoky taste that elevates the entire dish's depth.
• Stir occasionally and keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent pasta from becoming mushy while ensuring even cooking.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences without losing the recipe's core flavors.
• Gradually stir cheese and ranch dressing off-heat to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to control the dish's overall sodium content while maintaining delicious flavor.

Custom Touches for One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a nutritious vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace penne pasta with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower, keeping the creamy ranch bacon sauce intact for a lower-carbohydrate meal that's still satisfying and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta or zucchini noodles, ensure ranch dressing is gluten-free, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta: Presentation Picks

• Ranch Bacon Delight Platter: Arrange the creamy pasta on a large wooden board, scatter extra crispy bacon bits, and sprinkle fresh green onions for a stunning family-style presentation.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich pasta with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and cut through the bacon's richness.
• Quick Dinner Party Fix: Serve the one-pan meal in individual cast-iron skillets for a restaurant-style experience, garnishing each portion with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Wine Companion Tip: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy ranch and cuts through the bacon's smoky flavor.

Storing One-Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta the Simple Way

• Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore its original consistency.
• Freeze the pasta in sealed freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent burning the bottom.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce calories.

• What if I don't have ranch dressing?

Create a quick substitute by mixing sour cream, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk or milk.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to confirm.

One Pan Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling ranch bacon chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending zesty ranch with crispy bacon in a creamy, one-pan wonder. Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon

Pasta and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) penne pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ranch dressing

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.

1. Season diced chicken with garlic powder and black pepper. Sauté in the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

1. Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the pasta, gently mixing to ensure even distribution.

1. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking until pasta reaches desired tenderness and liquid significantly reduces.

1. Remove skillet from heat. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.

1. Crumble reserved bacon and gently fold into the creamy pasta mixture. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a vibrant garnish.

1. Serve immediately, either directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transferred to a serving dish, ensuring the pasta remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Drain excess bacon grease carefully to control dish richness while maintaining delicious bacon undertones.
• Use slightly less liquid if you prefer a thicker sauce, as pasta will continue absorbing moisture during cooking.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 684
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg