Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich ranch-cheddar sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta — this is weeknight comfort food at its best. Creamy, savory, and totally irresistible!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
6 strips bacon
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, place on paper towels, then crumble once cooled.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the chicken
Add olive oil if needed. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook in the skillet over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir in ranch seasoning and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the cheese
Lower heat and slowly stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine everything
Add cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
Serve
Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.