If there’s one dish that can win over even the pickiest eater, it’s Creamy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta. This soul-warming pasta is a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors, complete with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a ranch-cheddar cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting dinner, need an indulgent weeknight meal, or simply crave something comforting, this BBQ chicken pasta has you covered.
Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for home cooks at any skill level.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy and delicious BBQ chicken pasta recipe:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta (other short pasta works too)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
- BBQ Sauce: Use honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor or a spicy variety for more zest.
- Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or mozzarella for variations in texture and taste.
- Heavy Cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy alternative.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking this indulgent dish is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Save the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add olive oil to the skillet (along with the bacon drippings) and cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
Reduce the skillet’s heat to low and whisk together the milk, heavy cream, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce. Stir until smooth and warmed through. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and velvety.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and half of the crispy bacon to the sauce in the skillet. Toss until the pasta and protein are evenly coated.
6. Serve
Transfer the saucy BBQ chicken pasta to a serving dish or leave it in the skillet for that cozy, rustic presentation. Garnish with the remaining bacon, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and freshly chopped parsley.
Yield: Serves 4
Calories Per Serving (approx.): 610
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but there are also nutritional perks too!
Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed: With chicken and bacon, this pasta delivers a healthy dose of protein to keep you energized and satisfied.
- Calcium-Rich: Thanks to the cheese and milk, this meal contributes to your daily calcium intake.
- Not Too Heavy: While indulgent, the ranch sauce balances richness without feeling overly dense.
Serving Suggestions
Make your BBQ chicken pasta meal feel complete with these pairings:
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta.
- Bread: Add garlicky breadsticks or dinner rolls for extra comfort.
- Drink: Pair with an iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Variations and Twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Buffalo Ranch Pasta: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon and add roasted mushrooms and bell peppers instead.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta.
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Choose smoked cheddar cheese or add a dash of smoked paprika.
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Thin Sauce Too Thick? If the sauce gets too thick, add more milk (a splash at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook Bacon First: Always cook the bacon before the chicken. This allows the rendered bacon fat to infuse the chicken with flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Creamy BBQ chicken pasta leftovers taste just as good the next day!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to its perfect consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Cheese: Cheese is essential for the creamy texture. Don’t skimp!
- Overcooking Chicken: Cook until golden and remove immediately. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Using the Wrong Type of Pasta: Stay away from long noodles like spaghetti. Short pasta shapes hold the sauce better.
Creamy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Strainer
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts sliced
- 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta uncooked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for drizzle
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken slices and cook until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and whisk together milk, heavy cream, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce in the skillet. Stir until warmed and smooth.
- Step 5: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 7: Transfer to a bowl or skillet. Top with remaining bacon, extra BBQ sauce drizzle, and chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Q1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of mixing in the chicken and bacon. Reheat with a splash of milk when you’re ready to serve.
Q2. Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Q3. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Simply double all the ingredients, but keep the skillet size in mind to avoid overcrowding.
Try This Flavorful BBQ Chicken Pasta Today
Now that you know all the steps and tips for crafting the perfect bowl of creamy BBQ bacon ranch chicken pasta, it’s time to bring your cooking dreams to life. This recipe is guaranteed to impress, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends.