Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 🍗🥓🧄🧀
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness — this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is comfort food at its finest! ❤️ Tender pasta is tossed in a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce, loaded with juicy chicken and crispy bacon, then topped with melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:
For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt & black pepper, to taste

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch mix)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella blend)

For the Topping:

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the creamy ranch sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Mix in the ranch seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add cheese & combine:
Stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.

5. Add bacon & garnish:
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

6. Serve hot:
This dish is best served fresh, piping hot, and with extra bacon bits on top for crunch!

Tips & Variations:
✅ Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a twist.
✅ Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for extra creaminess.
✅ Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
✅ Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4–6

Why you’ll love it:
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta has everything — crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and the flavor kick of ranch seasoning. It’s quick, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible.