If there’s one thing that brings instant comfort, it’s a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, and Grandma’s Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate version of it. With tender chicken, smoky bacon, rich ranch seasoning, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, this dish hits every comfort food note.
The best part? It’s all made in one skillet for easy cleanup, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. This dish will quickly become a family favorite, and it might just take you back to the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen, where love was served by the spoonful.
Don’t forget to follow me for more recipes like this, and thanks to ChefManiac for inspiring these comforting, crowd-pleasing meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a luxurious, cheesy sauce.
- Bacon Ranch Magic: Smoky bacon and ranch seasoning bring bold, irresistible flavors to every bite.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a meal the whole family will devour, even the picky eaters!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
A Recipe Inspired by Grandma’s Love
Grandma’s cooking always had a way of bringing everyone to the table, and this recipe captures that spirit. The creamy, cheesy pasta is reminiscent of the casseroles she used to bake, while the smoky bacon and savory ranch seasoning add a modern twist. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients—just like Grandma would’ve done.
How to Make Grandma’s Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 🐔
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 🌿
- 2 cups heavy cream 🥛
- 2 cups chicken broth 🍗
- 8 oz penne pasta 🍝
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- ½ cup green onions, sliced 🌱
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the cubed chicken with a little salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the penne pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Cover and let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top the pasta with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, bacon-y goodness!
Tips and Variations
- Pasta Options: While penne is great, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni for this recipe.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for extra heat.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead for meal prep or leftovers.
What to Serve with Grandma’s Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dinner:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for scooping up every bit of that creamy sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make for a perfect veggie pairing.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
When to Serve This Dish
This Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is perfect for:
- Family Dinners: A quick and satisfying weeknight meal everyone will love.
- Potlucks: Bring this dish to a potluck, and watch it disappear in no time.
- Comfort Food Cravings: When you need something creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, this is the recipe for you.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with all the flavors that make you feel right at home. Whether you’re making it for your family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and follow me for more comforting, family-friendly meals!
Grandma’s Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and ranch seasoning mix. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta and mix well.
- Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
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