Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This chicken bacon ranch pasta is packed full of flavor with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon and perfectly cooked noodles in a creamy yogurt ranch sauce. You can’t go wrong with this pasta recipe!

The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!

This is my official recipe of summer! I just love how all the flavors mix and it can easily come together in one pot using simple ingredients. It’s also a fun take on your typical pasta recipe.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is also a huge hit at summer BBQs and potlucks. I’ve tried it out with guests a few times this summer and they all LOVE this recipe. It’s also a host’s dream because it could not be easier to make. You can even prepare it all using one single pot if you boil your noodles first using the same pot.

Don’t believe me? Guess you’ll have to try it for yourself!

Ingredients in this Recipe

• Pasta – this recipe works best with a short pasta like penne pasta, rotini, bowtie or cavatappi.
• Bacon – you’ll cook your bacon on the stovetop to get it nice and crispy.
• Chicken breasts– you’ll want to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Garlic – ideally use freshly minced garlic!
• Ranch seasoning – you can typically find this with the spices or occasionally with the salad dressings at your grocery store. I like the version from Simply Organic.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt – I like using greek yogurt for its creamy consistency and tanginess
• Reserved pasta water -be sure to remove some pasta water before straining your pasta.
• Shredded cheese – I prefer using shredded cheddar cheese but you can also use monterey jack cheese or even mozzarella cheese.
• Fresh chives – you can also use fresh parsley or other fresh herbs
• Salt + Pepper – you’ll add to taste. The bacon contains a lot of salt already so feel free to omit if watching sodium levels.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

STEP 1: COOK PASTA

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add roughly 1 tbsp of salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Remove 1 cup of reserved pasta water and set aside. Strain pasta and set aside.

STEP 2: COOK BACON

Heat pot over medium-high heat and add bacon. Cook until crispy (roughly 8-10 minutes), flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and allow to cool on a paper towel lined plate. Once cooled chop into small crispy bits. Remove bacon grease from pot, leaving about 1 tbsp still in pot.

STEP 3: COOK CHICKEN

Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F). Remove from pot and allow to cool slightly on a cutting board. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 4: COMBINE REMAINING INGREDIENTS

If necessary, add a little more bacon grease to pot and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 mins until lightly browned. Add in cooked pasta, ranch seasoning, Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and cheddar cheese. Add more pasta water to thin out sauce, as desired. Stir in bacon bits and chicken pieces. Stir in salt and pepper and sprinkle with fresh chives.

Easy Swaps + Substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken – don’t want to cook more chicken or have leftover chicken laying around? Feel free to swap in place for cooking additional chicken.

Swap the herbs – I like the pairing of chives with the ranch dressing mix, but you can use any fresh herbs you have laying around. Fresh parsley works great!

Use turkey bacon – not a fan of pork bacon? You can easily swap in turkey bacon slices. Just cook as directed.

Change up the cheese – I really like sharp cheddar cheese in this chicken bacon ranch pasta but you can swap in any cheese your prefer.

Eat it cold – prefer a pasta salad? You can certainly refrigerate your recipe to make it a cold chicken bacon ranch pasta salad.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy in either the microwave or stovetop.

Freezer: Store in a large casserole dish covered with plastic wrap and tinfoil for up to 3 months. Remove plastic wrap and bake in oven until thawed.

More Pasta Recipes:

• Kale Pesto Pasta
• Tofu Bolognese
• Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce
• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Veggie Pasta Bake

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