Skillet Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta can be made entirely from scratch or from leftovers. You can easily swap out some ingredients for store-bought ones your family prefers. This one-pot wonder is ready in just 30-minutes.

Back-to-School has hit our neck of the woods and it’s been welcomed by both parents and students alike. With back-to-school, however, comes a different set of weeknight problems; homework, after-school activities, sports, and the list goes on and on, making getting a meal on the table even more of a challenge. 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 4 650

This tasty dish stars many ingredients kids love; namely pasta, bacon, and cheese – and it practically cooks itself. So while this dish toils away on the stove, I can help my daughter with her homework. 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 2 650
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 3 650

 Looking for just a straightforward chicken bacon ranch alfredo sauce without the skillet dinner? You can find it here: Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta 6 650

One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta can be made entirely from scratch or easily from leftovers. You can easily swap out ingredients for store-bought or ones your family prefers. With a little prep work, this one-pot wonder is ready in just 30-minutes.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree, main meal
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 635 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1/2 cup white onion , diced fine
  • 1 tsp garlic , minced
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp powdered ranch dressing [See Note 1]
  • 8 oz cream cheese , softened and cubed
  • 2 cups penne pasta , uncooked
  • 2 cups cooked chicken , shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups Colby Jack shredded cheese blend [See Note 2]
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 sliced green onion , for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown 4 pieces of bacon and set aside on bacon paper towels to drain then crumble. Drain fat from pan reserving 1 tablespoon inside the pan. [See Note 3]
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the chicken stock and powdered ranch dressing mix. Whisk [paid link] to combine.
  • Add the cream cheese and melt into the chicken stock, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the pasta and shredded cheese, stir to combine. Cover and cook 16-19 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness of the pasta.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded chicken. Stir well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. (I found I used less salt since the bacon was quite salty enough.)
  • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions (scallions).

Notes

  1. Traditional powdered ranch dressing packets are loaded with MSG, therefore, I make my own and always have it on hand. If you prefer, you may substitute 1 seasoning packet.
  2. I used a block of Colby Jack cheese and hand grated it, I find block cheese to be more flavorful than the pre-shredded variety. If you prefer, you may substitute in 1 bag of shredded cheese.
  3. If you prefer not to cook with bacon fat, drain pan fully and then wipe clean with paper towels and then add 1 tablespoon or your preferred cooking oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 28.8gFat: 41.5gSaturated Fat: 22.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 196mgSodium: 656mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0g
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5 thoughts on “Skillet Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta”

  1. Okay, I remember your original recipe for chicken bacon alfredo and it did not have cream cheese in it. The main reason I tried that recipe was that you mentioned that you never liked alfredo sauce until you made that. (I have never liked it either until that awesome recipe!) I had it bookmarked on my laptop and I make it often (my son’s top request!) So imagine my confusion when I find this new recipe in its place. Just wondering if it might be possible to see your original recipe? I would really appreciate it so much (so would my son.)

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