Chicken bacon ranch pasta: This easy crockpot pasta dish packs a flavor punch with just 20 minutes of prep time. Combining flavor boosters like bacon, ranch seasoning, garlic, and cheese with the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker delivers a deeply satisfying dinner with fuss-free ease. If you love Pasta but don’t love spending hours cooking elaborate meals, this recipe is about to earn permanent weeknight rotation status. Follow this step-by-step walkthrough, then sit back as your crockpot works its magic, turning pantry staples into cheesy chicken goodness.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here is a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
Poultry: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and beautifully soak up the other flavors. Cubing or shredding, once cooked, makes a saucier texture.
** Bacon:** Six slices of cooked, chopped bacon lend smoky depth, crunch, and salty contrast. Leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Pasta: 16 ounces of rotini, penne, or your favorite shape works well. The twists and ridges catch more sauce.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives a gooey, melty payoff, but cheddar, gouda, or parmesan works, too.
Sauce: A 15-ounce jar of creamy alfredo sauce carries and clings to the other ingredients flavorfully.
Seasonings: Ranch seasoning, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper infuse homestyle flavor without complexity.
Veggies: Onion, peppers, peas, or mushrooms can be sautéed separately and stirred for a nutrition boost (optional).
Step-By-Step Instructions
Now, let’s walk through putting together this simple yet utterly scrumptious pasta skillet:
Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes)
Grab all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need:
- Cutting board and knife
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Crockpot (6-quart size recommended)
- Colander or Pasta insert
Then, gather and prepare the essential ingredients:
- Chicken: Pat chicken dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Bacon: Chop or crumble into small pieces.
- Garlic: Mince 2 large cloves of garlic.
- Cheese: Shred mozzarella cheese.
- Veggies (optional): Chop any vegetables you want to add, like bell peppers, onions, etc.
Season the Chicken (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine the Chicken, seasoning, and garlic:
- 1 lb chicken pieces
- 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder
- One tablespoon of ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Mix all ingredients well until the Chicken is uniformly covered with the spices and garlic.
Build the Crockpot Base (5 minutes)
Coat your slow cooker thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to avoid sticking and simplify cleaning later. Place the seasoned Chicken and bacon into the slow cooker. Then, drizzle the 15 oz jar of Alfredo sauce over them, ensuring the Chicken is evenly coated by stirring. Secure the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Expert Tip: Place a paper towel beneath the lid to soak up any excess moisture during the cooking process
Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
About 30 minutes before the Chicken is done:
- Heat a large pot of water with salt added to it until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Cook 16 ounces of rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain Pasta well and set aside.
Finish the Dish (5 minutes)
Once the Chicken is fall-apart tender:
- Shred or cube chicken right in the crockpot.
- Mix in the boiled Pasta and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is combined.
- Cover again and wait for 5 minutes to let the flavors infuse together.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Scoop the cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta into bowls.
- Sprinkle extra cheese, bacon, or herbs on top if desired.
- Enjoy this satisfying skillet sensation!
Customize to your liking by adding extra vegetables, using Italian seasoning, substituting turkey bacon, and more. With this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll be whipping up this family-friendly crockpot dinner anytime!
Handy Prep-Ahead Tips
Streamline your weeknight even more by prepping ingredients in advance when possible:
The Day Before:
- Dice and cook bacon
- Shred block of mozzarella cheese
- Chop any vegetables like onions or mushrooms
The Morning Of:
- Cut Chicken into cubes
- Measure out seasoning and garlic
- Cook Pasta for 1-2 hours before serving
Your dinnertime assembly is even faster by tackling some steps the day or the morning before. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let time work. it’s low-and-slow magic!
Storage and Reheating
One of the bonuses of this recipe is that it stores and reheats beautifully:
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow it to cool down fully, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Over time, the Pasta will absorb more liquid.
Reheating Tips:
- On the stovetop over medium-low, with a splash of milk or water to loosen up.
- In the microwave, stirring every minute to distribute heat evenly.
- In a 300°F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout.
Proper storage means you’ll have ready-made meals for days! The alfredo sauce keeps everything moist.
Inspired Variations to Try
This crave-worthy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe begs to be adapted. Unleash your creativity with tasty ingredient swaps:
- Use turkey or pork sausage instead of Chicken
- Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers
- Swap out ranch seasoning for Italian or taco seasoning
- Replace bacon with crispy prosciutto or pancetta
- Use pepper jack, cheddar, or parmesan cheese
- Toss with hot sauce or diced jalapeños for heat
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini or sweetcorn
- Top with crushed ranch chips, fried onions, or garlic breadcrumbs
The seasoned Chicken and creamy alfredo form a fantastic flavor foundation for all mix-ins. Every bite becomes your signature creation.
Family-Favorite Success Guaranteed
Now you’ve got a roadmap to facile, flavorful, family-friendly dinner success! In this 20 minutes of prep time, you can toss a deeply crave-worthy crockpot meal together. Customize with your favorite mix-ins while the Chicken and Pasta bathe in creamy, garlic-kissed alfredo sauce as tempting aromas fill the kitchen. A few hours later, a hearty skillet dinner emerges, ready to satisfy your crew with cheesy, saucy, soul-warming goodness. So grab your crockpot and prepare to make this easy chicken bacon ranch pasta a regular rotation recipe. Deliciously simple, stress-free dinners await!
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