This comforting pasta dish features tender diced chicken and crispy bacon, seasoned with ranch and paprika, tossed with rotini in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Sweet onions and minced garlic add depth, while shredded cheddar on top offers the perfect cheesy finish. Sautéed aromatics blend with ranch-seasoned chicken for robust flavor, and mixing bacon throughout delivers smoky goodness in every bite. The meal comes together easily in one skillet and is finished off under a blanket of melted cheese, making it great for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Serve piping hot for ultimate comfort.
Creamy and packed with flavor this chicken bacon ranch pasta is a weeknight dinner my family begs for when comfort food is on the menu The smoky bacon tender chicken ranch seasoning and gooey cheddar come together in a sauce that hugs every twist of pasta
I first whipped this up on a night when everyone seemed hungry for something cheesy and filling It was an instant hit and now I keep these ingredients handy just in case
Ingredients
Rotini pasta: This spiral shaped noodle expertly holds the creamy ranchy sauce Look for bronze die cut pasta for best texture
Bacon: Choose a thick cut for more meaty bites Crisping it well in the pan delivers that irresistible smoky crunch
Yellow onion: A little sweet sharpness that helps build flavor Use a fresh firm onion for best results
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced small ensures quick even cooking Opt for organic chicken if possible for great texture
Paprika: Adds beautiful color and subtle warmth Reach for sweet or smoked for a deeper layer
Garlic powder: An easy way to boost savory notes Choose a fresh jar for the most intense flavor
Onion powder: Bumps up those background savory flavors again fresher jars give a noticeable edge
Ranch seasoning: Brings zesty herby tang Go for a quality blend with real dried herbs
Minced garlic: Freshly minced delivers aromatic richness Chop it fine for even cooking
Alfredo sauce: Creamy base for the sauce Look for one with minimal fillers and plenty of parmesan
Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pools Aim for a block you can shred yourself rather than pre shredded
