Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Featured in: Evening meals for every day

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken with a hint of ranch seasoning. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The dish starts with seasoned and cooked chicken breasts, followed by a rich Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is then tossed in the Alfredo sauce, mixed with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning. Finally, the sliced chicken breast strips are arranged on top of the pasta, and the dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:48:43 GMT
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Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta | myhomemaderecipe.com

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta is one of those indulgent dinners that always turns a weeknight into something special with its ultra-creamy sauce, smoky bacon, ranch flavors, and tender chicken piled over rich pasta. This dish brings together everything I love in a comfort food meal and gets even better as leftovers the next day.

The first time I served this, it vanished before I could even reach for seconds. My family now requests it for Saturday movie nights, and I have never once had complaints about leftovers.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Juicy protein slices that soak up flavor. Try to find fresh chicken for tenderness and juicy texture.
  • Salt and pepper: Used for simple seasoning. Always season chicken generously before cooking for best taste.
  • Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken for flavor and prevents sticking. Use extra virgin for best results.
  • Unsalted butter: For the Alfredo sauce. It adds richness and lets you control the salt levels.
  • Fresh garlic: Gives the Alfredo base a punch of savoriness. Go for firm unblemished cloves.
  • Heavy cream: Backbone of the sauce. Look for cream with the highest fat content for extra silkiness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Thickens the sauce and adds nutty depth. Always grate it yourself for best melt.
  • Your favorite pasta: Holds up to the rich sauce. Fettuccine gives a classic creamy tangle, but penne or rigatoni work too.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Boosts cheesy flavor and gives a golden finish. Go for sharp cheddar for tang.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky salty crunch. Cook until crisp and crumble for maximum texture.
  • Ranch seasoning: Provides a herby tangy twist. Try homemade or a high-quality store blend.
  • Fresh parsley: For garnish makes the plate bright and fresh. Pick leaves that are deep green and perky.

Instructions

Prep and Cook Chicken:
Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil then lay in the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for several minutes so it gets a deep golden crust flip and finish cooking until juices run clear and temperature is 165 F. Move chicken to a board and let it rest to keep it juicy then slice into strips.
Boil Pasta:
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and stir well in the first minute to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente use package timing as a guide then drain. Do not overcook or the pasta will become mushy in the sauce.
Build Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet or a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook it gently for about a minute until fragrant not brown. Pour in the heavy cream and heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for two to three minutes so it thickens slightly. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Marry Pasta and Cheese:
Add the cooked pasta to the pan tossing to coat every strand in sauce. Sprinkle in cheddar cheese and keep stirring until melted. Fold in crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning mix so the flavor is in every bite.
Finish and Serve:
Nestle the sliced chicken breast on top of the pasta. Scatter over fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve piping hot and enjoy every creamy cheesy forkful.
A delicious meal of chicken and pasta with cheese and bacon. Pin it
A delicious meal of chicken and pasta with cheese and bacon. | myhomemaderecipe.com

One thing I never skip in this dish is really crisp bacon for that hit of salty crunch in every bite. It reminds me of Sunday afternoons when my dad would make big pasta bakes and the bacon was always everyone’s favorite part. The Parmesan here makes the sauce unbelievably creamy and rich and brings the whole casserole together.

Storage Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. When reheating add a touch of cream or milk. This returns the pasta to its original creamy glory and keeps the sauce from drying out. Pasta dishes with cream hold up well for a day or two which makes it ideal for make ahead lunches.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken you can use cooked turkey or even thin slices of steak. For a lighter touch swap half the cream for whole milk but simmer longer to thicken. Try Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder cheese layer. Gluten free pasta works as a solid substitute in this dish too.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a meal all on its own but I love serving it with a simple green salad and a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. If you are hosting double the recipe and serve family style right from the skillet or casserole dish.

Cultural Note

Chicken Alfredo traces its roots to Italy but over time American cooks have made it a canvas for all sorts of additions like bacon and ranch. This version is a true comfort classic that nods to both Italian heritage and American flavor combos we all know and love. It is a perfect example of how our tastes evolve and recipes become family traditions.

A delicious pasta dish with chicken and bacon, served in a black skillet. Pin it
A delicious pasta dish with chicken and bacon, served in a black skillet. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This pasta shines for weeknights or special gatherings. Leftovers are just as good the next day, making it a real family favorite every time.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Learn to make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and tender chicken.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
02 Salt and pepper, to taste.
03 1 tablespoon olive oil.
04 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
05 4 cloves garlic, minced.
06 1 cup heavy cream.
07 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
08 Salt and pepper, to taste.
09 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta.
10 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
11 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled.
12 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade).
13 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish).

Instructions

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 02

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet used for chicken (or a separate saucepan), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Mix in crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning mix.

Step 05

Arrange the sliced chicken breast strips on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Step 06

Enjoy your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta while warm, and savor the creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors!.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 800
  • Total Fat: 50 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 40 g