If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a little indulgence all in one bowl, you have to try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with crispy bacon and a creamy ranch-infused sauce that clings perfectly to every twist of rotini pasta. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and savory meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for satisfying family dinners or impressing friends with a luscious homemade dinner. Once you dive into this combination of flavors and textures, it’s hard to go back to plain pasta again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an important role—from the crispy bacon adding salty crunch, to the creamy cheese blend enriching every bite, and the fresh parsley brightening the dish with a hint of herbal freshness.
- Bacon (4 slices, diced): Provides smoky, crispy bits that give the pasta a delightful crunch and savory depth.
- Rotisserie chicken (1, cut into chunks): Brings tender, juicy protein with ready-to-eat convenience to this recipe.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a smooth base flavor and helps cook garlic evenly without burning.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 tablespoon): Infuses the sauce with the classic tangy, herby ranch flavor everyone loves.
- Rotini pasta (8 ounces): The perfect twisty pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, stringy cheese goodness, lending a mild, creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, slightly tangy kick that balances the creaminess.
- Fresh Italian parsley (2 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, vibrant green note and a mild herbal aroma.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Contributes rich flavor and creates a silky sauce base when combined with garlic and cream.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth and a hint of warmth to elevate the sauce.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture and indulgent creaminess.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1 cup): Adds a nutty, savory punch to the sauce making it irresistibly cheesy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors with the perfect seasoning balance.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick spray so your cheesy pasta won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze. This small prep step sets you up for a perfect baked finish.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s golden and crispy. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels but leave the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor in the next step. That bacon fat will add smoky depth when you sauté the garlic and make your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, melting everything together. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Then stir in the ranch seasoning mix and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything blends into a thick, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a rich base that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine Ingredients
Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, along with the shredded rotisserie chicken and half of the crispy bacon. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that irresistible chicken, bacon, and ranch flavor.
Step 5: Bake with Cheese Topping
Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted, bubbly, and golden on top. This baking step brings everything together beautifully while adding a fantastic cheesy crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and fresh Italian parsley over your pasta. This final touch adds inviting color, extra flavor, and texture, making your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Italian parsley adds a burst of green and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors. Additionally, extra crispy bacon bits on top provide irresistible crunch and salty contrast to every creamy bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or steamed vibrant green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus perfectly balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are excellent companions for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation. Another fun idea is to layer the pasta in a trifle-style glass dish for a casual but eye-catching display at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow your pasta to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, consider freezing before baking. Combine the cooked pasta with sauce and chicken, place in a freezer-safe container, and cover tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through or microwave on medium power stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to season and cook the chicken thoroughly before mixing it with the sauce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the rotini for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check your ranch seasoning mix for any gluten ingredients.
How spicy is this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild and creamy with no heat unless you choose to add spicy seasoning. It’s perfect for all ages and palates.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make lovely additions that add freshness and color. Add them during the sauce-building step so they blend well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly special yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to become a favorite thanks to its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavor that everyone will adore. So grab your skillet and get ready because this pasta is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses with a rich ranch seasoning, this baked pasta dish is satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of fresh Italian parsley adds a bright, herby contrast to the luscious cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 rotisserie chicken, cut into chunks
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Produce and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray for the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Prepare the baking dish. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bacon and pasta. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the creamy ranch sauce. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and the prepared creamy ranch sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the pasta. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh Italian parsley on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can substitute with cooked homemade chicken.
- Feel free to use different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
