Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Make chicken bacon ranch pasta with simple ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy meal planning.
Total time
25 min
Servings
4
Calories
776.2
Category
Dinner & Mains
This Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken in a rich ranch sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a kid-friendly meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 1 mostaccioli pasta
- 6 bacon
- 1 butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 all-purpose flour
- 1 milk
- 2 sharp cheddar cheese
Method
1. Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; drain, return to pot, and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the reserved bacon drippings, then add the chicken to the same skillet. Cook until tender, no longer pink, and slightly browned.
4. Sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the milk, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon; cook and stir until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve each plate of pasta with more bacon sprinkled over the top.
Easy swaps
- Instead of mostaccioli pasta, use penne, ziti, or any short pasta
- Instead of sharp cheddar cheese, use colby jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend
- Instead of bacon, use turkey bacon or pancetta
Frequently asked
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter, milk (like almond or oat), and dairy-free shredded cheese.
How do I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the ranch seasoning.
