One-Dish Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Ready in Under an Hour

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and uses just one dish, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is a perfect choice. It’s a family favorite that combines tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and melted cheese with rotini pasta. The best part is you can have it on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe balances smoky, savory, and creamy flavors with a touch of spice from Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step directions so you can enjoy this delicious one-dish meal soon.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 oz pack of ranch seasoning mix

• Onion powder (to taste)

• Garlic powder (to taste)

• Smoked paprika (to taste)

• Cajun seasoning (to taste)

• 10 oz bacon (beef bacon or pork works well)

• ½ onion, diced

• ½ cup diced bell pepper (tri-color recommended)

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 8 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

• 8 oz monterey jack cheese, shredded

• 1 lb rotini pasta

  
  

Directions

1. Cook the bacon

   In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.

   
   

2. Season the chicken

   In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with half of the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preference.

   
   

3. Cook the chicken

   Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan with the bacon grease. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.

   
   

4. Sauté vegetables

   In the same pan, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.

   
   

5. Make the sauce

   Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining ranch seasoning mix along with the same onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning used earlier. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

   
   

6. Add cheeses

   Stir in the parmesan and monterey jack cheeses until melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy sauce.

   
   

7. Cook the pasta

   While preparing the sauce, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta directly to the sauce in the pan.

   
   

8. Combine everything

   Dice the cooked chicken and bacon into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

   
   

9. Serve and enjoy

   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

   
   

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.

• Don’t discard the bacon grease; it adds a smoky depth to the dish.

• Customize your veggies by adding mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

• Make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

• Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day lunches.

  
  

This recipe is a great example of how you can create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal without complicated steps or multiple pots. It’s perfect for families who want a filling dinner that doesn’t require hours of prep or cleanup.

Try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta on your next busy night and enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone will ask for again.