Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a rich ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
For the Chicken and Bacon:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into pieces.
Cook the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Cheese:
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.