Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A One-Pan Comfort Classic Ready in 30 Minutes 🥓🍗🧀

Tender bites of seasoned chicken, crispy thick-cut bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich cheddar ranch sauce that’s pure comfort in every forkful.

Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes and comes together in just one pan (plus your pasta pot). It’s the kind of easy weeknight dinner your family will request on repeat.

When you start with Passanante’s premium chicken breasts and thick-cut bacon, the flavor goes from good to unforgettable.

Recipe Details:

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups uncooked rotini or penne pasta
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tbsp dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and flour until evenly coated.

3. Sear the Chicken
Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

5. Build the Sauce
Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and ranch seasoning until smooth and creamy.

6. Bring It All Together
Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy ranch sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Top with crispy bacon and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Sauce

• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
• Warm the half-and-half first. A quick 20–30 seconds in the microwave helps prevent curdling.
• Don’t overheat. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to maintain that silky texture.

Easy Variations

• Add 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
• Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Why It’s Better with Passanante’s

Recipes like this shine when you use clean, high-quality meats. With Passanante’s vacuum-sealed chicken and thick-cut bacon delivered straight to your freezer, weeknight dinners become easier—and tastier—than ever.

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