Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This comforting, creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a true weeknight hero. Perfectly cooked rotini is tossed with crispy bacon, tender rotisserie chicken, and a luscious ranch-seasoned cheese sauce. It’s rich, filling, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when time is short but your cravings aren’t.
Love fast and flavorful pasta? Don’t miss my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta next time.
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bacon (chopped) | 6 strips |
| Dry rotini pasta | 3 cups |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
| Cream cheese (cubed) | 4 ounces |
| Dry ranch seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Rotisserie chicken (diced) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s golden and crispy (about 8–10 minutes).
Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Sauté Onion & Garlic
Discard excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Add Cheese & Seasoning
Whisk in the ranch seasoning and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Bring It All Together
Fold in the cooked pasta, diced rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and remaining cheddar cheese.
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through and bubbly.
7. Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
🔁 Tips & Variations
- Use penne, shells, or elbows if you don’t have rotini.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for added veggies.
- Prefer a milder taste? Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby.
