Looking for an easy, comforting, and delicious meal that doesn’t break the bank? Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the answer! This dish is the ultimate solution when you’re craving something hearty yet simple to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student on a budget, or just someone looking for an easy dinner idea, this dish is the perfect choice. Packed with creamy ranch sauce, crispy chicken, and savory bacon, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, with just a few affordable ingredients, it’s a great option for cheap easy dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe that will have you enjoying this flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in no time. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop or use a food recipes crockpot method, you’ll love the versatility and deliciousness this dish brings to the table. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is both easy and budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple, and you can often find them in your pantry or fridge already. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier alternative)
- 12 oz (340g) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (or 1/4 cup homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (use more for a thinner sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color
- Extra grated Parmesan for topping
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the water while boiling the pasta.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess grease.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. In the same skillet (with a bit of bacon grease still in it), heat another tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken. If it gets too thick, simply add a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ranch sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Toss in the crispy bacon and sliced chicken, mixing everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Add Cheese and Serve
Once everything is mixed together, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until it melts into the creamy sauce. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle some Parmesan on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
To make sure your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is absolutely perfect, here are some helpful tips:
1. Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat
While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you’re after a richer taste, go ahead and swap out the breasts for thighs.
2. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrients
For a well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also provide a nutritional boost.
3. Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when making the ranch sauce. This adds a spicy kick to balance the creaminess of the dish.
4. Food Recipes Crockpot Variation
If you want to make this recipe in a food recipes crockpot, you can cook the chicken and bacon in the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours until tender. Then, shred the chicken, and stir in the ranch sauce mixture. Let it cook for another 30 minutes, then toss with cooked pasta. This hands-off method is perfect for busy evenings.
5. Make Ahead and Store
You can prepare this dish in advance by cooking everything except the pasta and sauce. Store the chicken, bacon, and cooked pasta separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and toss everything in the sauce for a quick dinner.
Variations of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Here are a few variations to keep your taste buds excited:
1. Swap Bacon for Sausage
For a different flavor profile, try using sausage instead of bacon. It adds a savory richness to the dish that complements the ranch sauce beautifully.
2. Make It Low-Carb
For a low-carb version, swap the regular pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The creamy ranch sauce still pairs wonderfully with these lighter options.
3. Use Homemade Ranch Dressing
For an extra burst of flavor, try making your own ranch dressing mix. Use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and chives for a more vibrant and fresh ranch taste.
4. Add a Tangy Twist
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for extra creaminess and a slight tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Easy Dinner Idea
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes—it’s cheap, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner after a long day or you need a budget-friendly recipe that the whole family will love, this dish is perfect. The creamy ranch sauce, crispy chicken, and savory bacon combine to create a flavorful experience that will have you coming back for more.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether you make it on the stove, in the crockpot, or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it. So the next time you’re searching for cheap easy dinners that still feel like a treat, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the way to go.
