Name: Easy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb penne or rotini pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 lb lean ground beef; 8-10 slices thick-cut beef bacon, diced; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more; 1/2 tsp salt, plus more; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, cubed; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 packet (1 oz) dry Ranch seasoning mix; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta – just the name alone promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Have you ever wished for a single dish that effortlessly combines all your favorite comfort food cravings into one incredibly satisfying experience? This is it. While this particular combination might not trace its roots back through centuries of culinary history, it is undeniably a modern classic, embodying the best of American comfort cuisine. It cleverly marries the creamy, zesty notes of ranch dressing – a beloved staple in countless homes – with universally adored ingredients like tender chicken, robust beef, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, all tossed together with perfectly al dente pasta.

Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser

People absolutely adore this dish for its incredible depth of flavor and delightful textures. The creamy ranch sauce beautifully coats every element, providing a tangy, herbaceous counterpoint to the savory richness of the chicken, the hearty notes of the beef, and the smoky, salty perfection of the bacon. Every forkful offers a delightful journey: the satisfying chewiness of the pasta, the succulence of the meats, and that glorious pop of bacon crispness. This Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food, designed for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to gather friends and family around the table for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) penne or rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
8-10 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
1 block (8 ounces / 226g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
1 packet (1 ounce / 28g) dry Ranch seasoning mix
1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (56g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation: Getting Everything Ready

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s ensure all our ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This “mise en place” approach makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable, especially when you’re making a hearty dish like our Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta. Trust me, having everything chopped and measured beforehand makes a world of difference!

First, take your chicken breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Uniformity helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels; this encourages better browning.
Next, dice your thick-cut bacon. Smaller pieces will crisp up nicely and distribute better throughout the pasta.
Finely chop your large yellow onion. The finer the chop, the more it will melt into the sauce, providing a sweet base without large chunks.
Mince your garlic cloves. You can use a garlic press for speed, or a sharp knife for a more rustic chop.
Ensure your cream cheese is softened by letting it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then cut it into smaller cubes. This will help it melt smoothly into our creamy sauce.
Measure out all your other ingredients: the flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried Ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Having them portioned out in separate bowls or ramekins will be incredibly helpful as we move through the steps.
Lastly, get a large pot for the pasta and a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven ready for cooking our proteins and building the sauce.

Cooking the Proteins: Bacon, Chicken, and Ground Beef

This is where we build the foundational flavors for our incredible Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta. Each protein brings its unique texture and depth, and we’ll leverage the rendered fats to infuse our sauce with even more deliciousness.

Crisping the Bacon: Place your diced bacon into the large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and all its fat has rendered out. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. We’ll add these delightful crispy bits back in at the very end.
Searing the Chicken: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Once shimmering, add your cubed chicken. Season the chicken generously with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.
Browning the Ground Beef: If there’s a lot of fat remaining in the skillet after cooking the chicken, you might want to drain a little, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Season the ground beef with another 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Remove the cooked ground beef from the skillet and add it to the plate with the chicken.

Building the Ranch Cream Sauce

Now for the heart of our dish: the rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful Ranch sauce. This is where all those savory flavors come together to coat every strand of our Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta.

Sautéing Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add your finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent.
Infusing with Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Creating a Roux: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir well with a wooden spoon or whisk, cooking for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken our sauce and prevent it from being grainy. The flour should absorb all the fat and form a thick paste.
Adding Liquids: Gradually pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
Melting the Cream Cheese: Add the cubed softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly over medium heat until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a silky-smooth base. This is a crucial step for achieving that signature creaminess.
Incorporating Cream and Ranch Flavor: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well, then sprinkle in the entire packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and aromatic.
Simmering the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further and for the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the sauce becoming luscious and perfectly coating the back of your spoon. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember, the Ranch seasoning already contains salt, so taste before adding more.
Adding the Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until both cheeses have fully melted into the sauce, making it even more rich and decadent. The cheese pull here is going to be magnificent!

Cooking the Pasta

No Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is complete without perfectly cooked pasta! We want it al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite but still tender.

Boiling the Water: While you’re working on the sauce, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. A good rule of thumb for salting pasta water is that it should taste like the sea.
Cooking the Pasta: Add the 1 pound of penne or rotini pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Reserving Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is liquid gold for sauces; it can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it cling to the pasta beautifully.
Draining the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starches on its surface help the sauce adhere.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

This is the moment all our hard work comes together! We’re about to transform our individual components into one harmonious, comforting dish: the ultimate Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta.

Bringing it All Together: Return the cooked chicken and ground beef to the skillet with the creamy Ranch sauce. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the proteins are thoroughly coated in that glorious sauce.
Adding the Pasta: Add the drained penne or rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and proteins. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated with the rich sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Touches: Stir in about two-thirds of the crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier. This adds incredible texture and a smoky burst of flavor right into the main dish. Give it one final taste test and adjust any seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Your magnificent Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is ready to be devoured! This dish is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further.

Garnish and Serve: Spoon generous portions of the hot pasta into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water!
Accompaniments: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread for soaking up every last bit of that amazing sauce is also highly recommended.
Enjoy! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining friends. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy a blend of your favorite proteins in one creamy, ranch-infused pasta.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the steps of creating what I genuinely believe will become a staple in your kitchen, a dish that consistently delivers on comfort, flavor, and sheer satisfaction. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a celebration of hearty ingredients coming together in a symphony of savory goodness. The Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious food doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It’s a dish designed to impress, to soothe, and to bring smiles to faces around your dining table, whether it’s a bustling family dinner or a cozy night in with loved ones.

I can confidently say that the unique blend of succulent chicken, flavorful ground beef, crispy bits of bacon, and the creamy, tangy embrace of ranch dressing creates a truly irresistible experience. Each forkful offers a delightful mix of textures – from the tender pasta to the perfectly cooked proteins and the occasional crunch of bacon – all coated in a rich sauce that clings beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, the kind that warms you from the inside out, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates robust, satisfying flavors. It’s comforting, yet exciting, familiar, yet surprisingly fresh thanks to the clever combination of beloved ingredients.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions:

While this pasta dish is undeniably a star on its own, I’ve found that a few simple additions can elevate the entire meal. For a touch of freshness and balance, I highly recommend serving it alongside a crisp, simple green salad. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette – something to cut through the richness ever so slightly. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or a good artisan loaf is also an absolute essential; it’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of that incredible ranch sauce. If you’re looking to sneak in some more vegetables, steamed broccoli florets, tender green beans, or even a side of roasted asparagus make fantastic companions. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving also adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that really brightens the dish.

Your Kitchen, Your Creation: Exciting Variations!

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its incredible adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, feel free to get creative! Want to add more vegetables? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or diced bell peppers would be fantastic additions, adding both color and extra nutrients. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce would be a welcome twist. If you’re a cheese lover, consider experimenting with different cheeses – a smoky gouda, sharp cheddar, or even a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby could add new dimensions of flavor and creaminess. Don’t be afraid to try different pasta shapes too; penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different texture to hold onto that glorious sauce. For those looking for a lower-carb option, this sauce is also absolutely divine served over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Imagine all that flavor without the pasta! The possibilities truly are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own, adapting it to your personal preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So, now it’s your turn! Don’t just take my word for it; gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and experience the magic of this

Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta

for yourself. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a rewarding cooking experience that culminates in a truly unforgettable meal. And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please come back and share your cooking adventures in the comments section below. Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Your feedback and photos are always incredibly inspiring to me and to other readers. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!