Go Back

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A cozy comfort food dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing for a delightful explosion of flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta Can swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped Bacon is always better when it’s crispy!
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Feel free to experiment with homemade ranch for an extra touch.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Try swapping with mozzarella for a lighter twist.
  • ½ cup diced green onions These add a fresh crunch; chives work wonderfully too.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel to drain, reserving about a tablespoon of the drippings in the skillet.
  4. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir it in the bacon grease for added flavor.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to warm it through.
  6. Pour in the ranch dressing, tossing everything together.
  7. Stir in the crispy bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Top with the remaining cheese and cover the skillet for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to melt beautifully.
  9. Garnish the dish with diced green onions.
  10. Be ready to serve!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and microwave until heated through.