Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious and hearty meal that combines the creamy richness of ranch sauce with the savory flavors of chicken and turkey bacon. This dish is particularly popular because it offers a balanced, flavorful meal without the heaviness of traditional pork bacon.

Loved by families and food enthusiasts alike, this pasta recipe can be made in a single pan, making it a favorite for quick weeknight dinners. It’s equally suited for larger gatherings like potlucks or casual dinner parties, where its comforting and familiar flavors shine. The combination of creamy ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and the healthier option of turkey bacon provides a dish that is not only indulgent but also healthier and more customizable. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this pasta is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing choice.

Why Use Chicken and Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon and chicken are excellent choices for a ranch pasta dish because they create a healthier alternative while still packing plenty of flavor. Turkey bacon, in particular, contains less fat and fewer calories than traditional pork bacon, making it a popular substitute for those watching their fat intake.

Although it may not be as crispy as pork bacon, turkey bacon delivers a subtle, smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy ranch sauce.

When it comes to chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used because they’re lean and easy to cook. Chicken adds a substantial source of protein without overpowering the other ingredients, ensuring that the dish remains balanced.

Additionally, cooking the chicken in the bacon drippings provides an extra layer of flavor. By combining turkey bacon with chicken, this dish strikes a balance between hearty indulgence and health-conscious eating.

Essential Ingredients

Chicken

Chicken is a core component of this dish, offering both flavor and substance. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended because they cook quickly and stay tender when simmered in the creamy sauce.

Chicken thighs, in particular, provide a richer taste due to their higher fat content, though breasts are a leaner option. Cooking the chicken in turkey bacon drippings or olive oil ensures it absorbs maximum flavor before being tossed with the pasta.

Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon brings the smoky, salty flavors of traditional bacon with far less fat and fewer calories.

Its lower fat content makes it ideal for those seeking a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. However, since turkey bacon releases less fat than pork bacon, many recipes suggest supplementing with a small amount of butter or olive oil for cooking the chicken, ensuring the dish remains rich and flavorful.

Pasta

The type of pasta you choose can significantly affect the texture and overall experience of the dish. Short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best in this recipe because their ridges and shapes hold onto the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring each bite is coated with flavor.

These pasta types also retain their structure well during cooking, making them perfect for a dish that can be made ahead or reheated.

Cheeses

Cheddar and mozzarella are the go-to cheeses for this recipe, with each offering a unique contribution. Cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess and meltability.

For best results, always use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain additives that prevent smooth melting and can make the sauce grainy.

The blend of these cheeses creates the perfect creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.

Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning is what gives this dish its signature flavor. You can either use store-bought packets or make your own homemade version. Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but making it from scratch allows you to control the salt content and adjust the flavor to your liking.

The mix of herbs and spices in ranch seasoning, especially when combined with the creamy sauce, ties the dish together, giving it a signature tang and depth.

Cream and Milk

The creamy texture of the sauce comes from a combination of milk and cream. Depending on your dietary preferences, you can use whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for a richer, thicker sauce.

Some recipes even suggest substituting sour cream or low-fat milk for a tangier, lighter option.

The key is balancing these dairy elements to create a sauce that’s rich but not too heavy, allowing the other flavors to shine.

Cooking the Chicken and Turkey Bacon

To begin, cook the turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Since turkey bacon contains less fat than pork bacon, it may take a little longer to achieve a crispy texture—approximately 6-8 minutes. Turn the bacon strips occasionally to ensure even crisping. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Next, cook the chicken in the rendered turkey bacon drippings. This step is crucial for adding flavor to the chicken. The drippings impart a smoky, savory element to the chicken, making it more flavorful. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The goal is to ensure the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. If you have leftover or pre-cooked chicken, you can add it directly to the sauce later, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

Preparing the Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and making it from scratch ensures a creamy, flavorful result. After cooking the chicken and turkey bacon, use the same skillet for the sauce to capture all the flavors left behind. Start by making a roux: melt butter and stir in flour, cooking it for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk or cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

For the signature flavor, add ranch seasoning to the sauce. This can be a store-bought packet or a homemade mix of dried herbs and spices. Ranch seasoning is crucial for creating the tangy, herby flavor that defines this dish. Stir the sauce until smooth, allowing it to simmer gently until it thickens naturally. The starch released by the pasta later will also help thicken the sauce.

For those seeking a healthier version, consider using milk instead of heavy cream, or add cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture without excessive fat. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before adding the other ingredients, and adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Combining Ingredients and Cooking the Pasta

While the sauce is thickening, cook your pasta in a separate pot. Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best for this dish, as their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce. Follow the package instructions for cooking the pasta to al dente, then drain it. Reserve a bit of pasta water, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Once the pasta is drained, gently fold it into the sauce along with the cooked chicken and turkey bacon. Stir to ensure everything is evenly coated. The creamy sauce should cling to the pasta, and the chicken and bacon should be well-distributed throughout the dish. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. This resting period allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can substitute regular pork bacon for turkey bacon, though it will increase the fat and calorie content. Pork bacon produces more fat, which can make the dish richer and more indulgent. However, if you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon still adds a smoky flavor while keeping the dish lower in fat.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, the best trick is to let the pasta and sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking. As the dish cools slightly, the sauce will naturally thicken. You can also add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. If the sauce is still too thin, allow it to cook a bit longer on low heat to reduce.

What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
To add more nutrition and texture to the dish, you can mix in vegetables such as peas, spinach, or broccoli. These vegetables complement the creamy sauce well, adding both color and nutritional value. For best results, stir them in toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when reheating. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and when ready to serve, gently warm the pasta on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the sauce may change texture due to the dairy content. If freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings. With a lighter twist on the traditional bacon by using turkey bacon, this dish offers a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese ensures the sauce is creamy and indulgent, while short pasta like rotini or penne perfectly holds onto the sauce. This meal is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
Boil the Pasta: Cook in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add flour, then gradually add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.

Notes

Substitute Options: You can substitute pork bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a richer flavor, though it will increase the fat content. You can also use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce turns out thin, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. You can also use some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish. Add them near the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Make-Ahead Tips: This dish can be made ahead of time by preparing the sauce and pasta separately. When ready to serve, simply combine and reheat. Add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the dairy content. If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra cream or milk if needed.