Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

This hearty, flavor-packed pasta dish is the perfect combination of smoky bacon, creamy ranch, tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese. It’s the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or prepping for a week of delicious leftovers, this recipe is sure to be a hit.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work best)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce and Combine

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and honey BBQ sauce until well combined. To this mixture, add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.

4. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese over the top.

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is bubbling around the edges.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.


Time & Servings

  • Total Time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
  • Servings: Serves 6

This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes for excellent leftovers. The smoky bacon and creamy sauce pair beautifully with the sharp cheddar, and the BBQ flavor adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s comfort food at its best—quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

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