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A creamy bowl of Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

Ultimate Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A decadent and flavorful pasta dish combining the best of comfort foods. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce supercharged with zesty ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1100

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, place the chopped bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook until brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once smooth, slowly pour in the heavy cream and the ranch seasoning packet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until it begins to thicken.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and half of the crispy bacon to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

For the creamiest sauce, it is highly recommended to shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce. For variations, try adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or steamed broccoli florets. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.