Introduction:
If you’re craving the kind of dinner that feels cozy, creamy, and guaranteed to please, this
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet delivers every time. It’s the perfect mix of tender chicken,
smoky bacon, ranch-seasoned creaminess, and pasta that soaks up all that flavor in one pan. No complicated steps,
no long list of ingredients—just a skillet full of comfort that tastes like a restaurant-style meal.
This recipe is built for real life. You can use whatever short pasta you already have, swap in rotisserie chicken
if you’re in a rush, and add a handful of veggies to make it a complete one-pan dinner. The sauce is creamy without
being heavy, and the bacon-ranch combo gives you that bold, savory punch that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the skillet:
- 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, bowties)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought) OR homemade ranch seasoning (see Tips)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the creamy ranch sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened (helps make it extra creamy)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (or Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional, adds depth)
Optional add-ins:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steam or simmer until crisp-tender)
- 2 cups baby spinach (stirs in at the end)
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
To finish:
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions
- Extra bacon and cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon.
Cook bacon until crisp (skillet or oven). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
Keep 1–2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan if you want extra flavor (optional). - Season and brown the chicken.
In a large skillet (deep skillet works best), heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate. - Sauté garlic.
Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the one-pan pasta base.
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up browned bits (that’s flavor).
Add pasta and bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer until pasta is tender.
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