Creamy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

A comforting weeknight pasta dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, a rich ranch-cheddar cheese sauce, and a drizzle of BBQ for bold flavor.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings servings

Calories 610 kcal

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

For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar. Try using rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 34gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg