If you’re looking for a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying one-pot meal, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is exactly what you need. Combining all the best comfort food flavors into a single dish, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of hassle. The rich and cheesy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch that takes it over the top.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

What makes this recipe a winner is how quickly and easily it comes together. With simple ingredients like shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The cream cheese gives the dish a luscious texture, and the ranch seasoning brings that familiar, comforting flavor that everyone loves. Plus, because it’s all made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—making it a perfect choice for any night of the week.

For those evenings when you need something quick, comforting, and downright delicious, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a go-to recipe. It’s not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with added vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or spice it up with a bit of hot sauce. And if you love this dish, don’t forget to explore our other easy pasta recipes for even more dinner inspiration!

Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!

There’s so much to love about this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe. First, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning you get all that creamy, cheesy goodness without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean up. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch seasoning creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the convenience factor is hard to beat—this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The recipe also offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the creamy sauce to the crunchy bacon bits. The use of simple, everyday ingredients makes it accessible, yet the result feels like a special treat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additionally, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding veggies, using different types of pasta, or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the added bonus of being quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

In a large skillet over medium heat, whisk together the chicken broth and ranch seasoning mix until fully combined.

Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet, break the pieces up as they are cooking so they melt easier, stirring occasionally, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it melts into the broth.

Stir in the shredded chicken, uncooked rotini pasta and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 16-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

When the pasta is tender, add the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Serve the dish warm and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Prep Your Ingredients First: To ensure smooth cooking, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start. This will make the process more efficient, especially since this is a one-pot meal.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it’s cooking. You want it to be al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the creamy sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Crisp the Bacon Separately: For the best texture, cook the bacon separately until it’s crispy, then crumble it over the top just before serving. This ensures the bacon stays crunchy and adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding some veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking so they retain their color and texture.
Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a delicious roasted flavor to the dish.
Customize the Ranch Flavor: If you love a strong ranch flavor, consider adding a bit more ranch seasoning mix to the sauce or even using ranch dressing in place of some of the cream cheese.
Make It Spicy: For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. This pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory bacon.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken up before serving. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta and give you a richer, more satisfying texture.

FAQs

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, bowtie (farfalle), or fusilli would also work well with this recipe.

If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Alternatively, you can use ranch dressing, but reduce the amount of cream cheese to balance the consistency.

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for regular bacon. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon might not get as crispy as pork bacon, but it will still add a nice smoky flavor.

Definitely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach can make this dish more nutritious. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking, so they don’t overcook and become mushy.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little bit of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

If you’re looking for a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying weeknight dinner, look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This dish combines all the best comfort food flavors into one easy-to-make recipe that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

3 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, whisk together the chicken broth and ranch seasoning mix until fully combined.
Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet, break the pieces up as they are cooking so they melt easier, stirring occasionally, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it melts into the broth.
Stir in the shredded chicken, uncooked rotini pasta and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 16-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
When the pasta is tender, add the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Place the lid on for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese some time to melt.
Serve the dish warm and enjoy!

Notes

Thank you Lil' Luna for the inspiration for this incredible dish.

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: One-Pot Comfort Food