Here’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck dish.
🍝 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work best)
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups heavy cream (or 1 cup cream + 1 cup milk)
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1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
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2 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make sauce – In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 1 min. Stir in heavy cream, ranch seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine – Add pasta, chicken, and half the bacon. Stir well, then fold in 1 ½ cups cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
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Top & bake (optional) – Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar and bacon, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
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Serve – Garnish with parsley or green onions and enjoy hot.
✨ Tips & Variations
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Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.
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Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little kick.
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For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Would you like me to also give you a one-pot stovetop version (no baking required, everything cooks in one pan)?