This chicken bacon ranch Pasta is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, pasta. Chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, pasta and cream cheese seasoned with ranch seasoning and garlic is delicious and the whole family will love it! This is a must try for everyone! Our family loves anything ranch related so it’s always a hit, and this cheeseburger ranch spaghetti recipe is too!
This post was updated in July of 2025 to reflect nutrition info (approximate) and add step-by-step details along with a how-to video.
why I love this recipe
- One pan meal
- Can be ready in 30 minutes if you aren’t cooking chicken (see more 30 minute meal ideas)
- creamy comfort meal- family loves this recipe just as much as million dollar spaghetti.
Ingredients in Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne
chicken– I used chicken breast. You can also replace with rotisserie or canned chicken and save cooking time.
bacon– pork bacon is what I used but use what you want- turkey bacon, beef bacon, etc. Feel free to use bacon bits as well, about 1/3-3/4 c worth. The sams club brand of bacon bits are good quality.
Ranch- use 1 packet of ranch which is 2 tbsp. Feel free to make your own ranch seasoning. If you need a ranch recipe try this one by my gal the pioneer woman – ranch seasoning recipe.
cream cheese – light cream cheese can be substituted in this recipe if you wish.
chicken broth – use regular chicken broth, homemade or low sodium. Anything works.
minced garlic – I add a heaping tablespoon of this to 80% of the recipes I make. Measure this with you heart.
penne noodles – any brand is fine. The barilla high protein noodles have worked well. Can also use other noodles such as bow tie. I am excited to try these noodles from 3 farm daughters – made in USA, high fiber, low carb plus you are supporting a farmer more directly which is nice sometimes.
Cheddar Cheese: hand shredded melts best but pre shredded will work okay too.
Milk- a little bit of milk is nice to have on-hand in case the pasta gets too thick. Or cream. If you don’t have milk on hand use broth.
How to make chicken bacon ranch pasta
- Prep Chicken and Bacon
You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken or canned chicken–but if you are using fresh then your first step is to cook the chicken. Cook the bacon unless using bacon bits. Add ranc seasoning and garlic while cooking.
- Cook Noodles
Once chicken is cooked, keep in pan and add broth and noodles. Cook until al dente .
- Combine remaining ingredients
Add cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon bits (if using) and stir to combine. Let simmer on low for a few minutes to make sure all is melted.
Video How-to
FAQ
Yes. There are two ways you could freeze this chicken bacon ranch dish. Cooked and un-cooked.
cooked: just cook until noodles are al dent. You could freeze in any freezer safe container and then reheat individual servings in microwave. Or thaw and reheat in casserole dish in oven. You may need to add more liquid (milk or broth) to prevent dryness.
un-cooked: freeze in a gallon freezer bag everything but the noodles, cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Thaw and cook on low in crockpot 6 hours or high 3-4 hours. Then, remove chicken & shred it. Put back into crock with the noodles and cheeses. Let simmer for 30 minutes or until noodles are done and pasta is creamy. Have extra liquid on-hand in case it is too thick.
Looking for more freezer friendly recipes? Take a look at a round up of my favorite ground beef freezer meals.
Yes, pre-cooked or bacon bits could be used.
Canned chicken – easy to shred and cuts down on time.
Rotisserie Chicken- also cuts down on time.
Dice and pan cook chicken, or prep in instapot, etc.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm in microwave to enjoy leftovers-you may want to add a tbsp of broth or milk to make creamy again.
Simple Side Salad
Cucumber Salad
Garlic Bread
More Recipes
I love one-pot meals for busy week nights.
I also love this Skillet Italian Beef Pasta. It is made with ground beef, but another easy one-pan meal that can be ready in no time! Or, try this One-Pot Goulash.
Looking for a great dessert recipe to pair with this casserole? Try my moms chocolate chip cookie bars-they are super gooey and delicious!
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leave a comment below if you’ve tried the recipe or have questions – we would love to hear from you!
I hope you enjoy this ultimate chicken bacon ranch pasta! – Bobbi Jo
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (one pan meal!)
Equipment
- 1 pan or dutch oven
- measuring utensils
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded can use canned
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning or one packet
- 2 cups penne noodles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4-6 oz cream cheese can use light
- 4 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 2-3 tbsp milk if needed to thin out
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- If you need to brown chicken, first brown chicken in the pan. If you are using already cooked chicken, skip this step.
- Once chicken is cooked, add ranch seasoning, garlic and combine.
- Have heat on medium and add chicken broth & noodles to the chicken mix. Let boil for about 15 minutes until pasta is cooked to your liking.
- Add cream cheese to the mix and stir until melted.
- Add bacon and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is fully melted. If the pasta is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk to thin it out.
- Garnish with parsley if preferred, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Love this one pan creamy dish!
This recipe is a favorite at our house!