Creamy One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy, savory one-pot meal combining chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors with pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 12 oz pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and the bacon into small strips. Measure out the pasta, broth, and cream.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until golden brown. Stir in the ranch seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cooking
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the bacon to the pot and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Notes
Pro Tips: Cook the bacon first to render its fat, which enhances the flavor of the chicken. Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
How to Serve: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove with a splash of cream.
Make-Ahead Tips: Cook the bacon and chicken ahead of time, then combine with pasta and sauce when ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
How to Serve: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove with a splash of cream.
Make-Ahead Tips: Cook the bacon and chicken ahead of time, then combine with pasta and sauce when ready to serve.