Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a massive time-saver. Just shred it and add after the sauce is made, long enough to warm through before tossing with the pasta.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Neufchâtel cheese works perfectly and is slightly lighter. For a different spin, you could use a mix of ricotta and a splash of heavy cream, but you’ll miss a bit of that classic tang.

Can I skip the bacon?

While bacon brings an incredible smoky element, you can skip it and use a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to sear the chicken. You may want to add some smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor note.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens as it sits, simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or extra broth until it’s creamy again. Pasta tends to absorb sauce as it cools, so this trick is a keeper.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese (block, softened); 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious, weeknight-friendly meal. The rich and cheesy sauce clings to every bite, making it a family-favorite comfort food dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

8 ounces uncooked pasta

Chicken

2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste

Bacon

4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces

Sauce

3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese (block, softened)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Optional Toppings

Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large, salted pot of water. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get four thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder and salt & pepper (be conservative with the salt).
Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the remaining bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm (cover loosely with foil).
Make the Sauce:
Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
Slice Chicken & Combine:
Meanwhile, cut the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well with the sauce. Stir in some of the bacon, reserving a little for garnish if desired.
Serve:
Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with sliced chicken, reserved bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If using block cream cheese, make sure it is very soft to mix in easily; microwave for 20–30 seconds if necessary.
Add more chicken broth or pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Use your favorite pasta shape for this recipe.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg