Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta, a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts pair beautifully with al dente pasta, crispy bacon, and a velvety homemade ranch cheese sauce made from melted cheddar, parmesan, and a hint of garlic. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan comfort food combines the satisfying crunch of bacon and the bold zest of ranch, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you're craving a hearty pasta recipe or a new twist on classic ranch flavors, this dish will surely satisfy every palate. Perfect for serving a party of four, it's a must-try for pasta lovers and bacon enthusiasts alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside, then dice into bite-sized pieces once cooled slightly.

Step 3

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 5

In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the ranch seasoning mix and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Continue simmering for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and diced chicken. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully combined with the sauce.

Step 9

Stir in the crumbled bacon and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1611.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3305.8

Total Fat 183.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.6g
Cholesterol 729.8mg	0%
Sodium 6883.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 236.9g	0%

Vitamin D 226.9IU	0%
Calcium 2757.6mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 1246.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.7%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 20.3%