Hey y’all, Chef Jessica here from ketoatmeal.com! When dinner needs to happen fast, I always turn to my trusty slow cooker and this creamy, dreamy chicken bacon ranch pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and basically cooks itself. Just toss it all in, set it, and go about your day. By dinner? You’ve got a cheesy masterpiece waiting.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken bacon ranch pasta is your new go-to dinner when you need comfort, flavor, and ease—all in one pot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying with almost no effort.
🔥 What makes it a winner:
- Made entirely in the Crockpot
- Packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and gooey cheese
- Bursting with ranch and Alfredo flavor
- Kid-friendly and totally crowd-pleasing
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
- Super customizable with your favorite pasta or veggies
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Print
chicken bacon ranch pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2.5–3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
-
1/2 tsp each: salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder
-
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
-
1 tbsp minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
-
1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce (Rao’s recommended)
-
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (crispy preferred)
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
16 oz pasta (Cellentani recommended)
-
Cooking spray (for the Crockpot)
Instructions
-
Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray.
-
Add Ingredients: Lay chicken breasts in the bottom. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Add minced garlic and pour Alfredo sauce on top.
-
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
-
Boil Pasta: 20–30 minutes before the chicken is done, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Shred Chicken: Shred or cube chicken in the Crockpot.
-
Mix It Up: Stir in mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon. Let melt for 5–10 minutes.
-
Finish: Add cooked pasta to the Crockpot, stir everything together, and serve hot.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make this dream of a dish come true. Simple ingredients, huge flavor.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 tsp each: salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or check out our ranch substitute ideas)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic, fresh or jarred
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce (Rao’s preferred, for max flavor)
- 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 oz pasta (Cellentani is amazing for holding sauce)
- Cooking spray for the Crockpot
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
- Frozen spinach or peas for a veggie boost
Keep this ingredient list handy—it’s all you need to make chicken bacon ranch pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Step-by-Step Instructions (How to Make It)
Alright, let’s break down how to make chicken bacon ranch pasta in just a few simple steps. Crockpot style = stress-free cooking.
1. Prep the Crockpot
Spray it with non-stick spray. Lay your chicken breasts in the bottom and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Then, add the minced garlic and pour the Alfredo sauce over the top. No need to stir—just trust the process.
2. Slow Cook It
- Set to LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Chicken should reach 165°F and be fall-apart tender.
3. Boil the Pasta
While that’s cooking, about 30 minutes before time’s up, cook your pasta separately. Drain and set aside.
Want the best texture in your chicken bacon ranch pasta? Always cook the pasta separately. Trust me.
4. Shred Chicken, Mix in the Good Stuff
Once the chicken’s ready, shred it with two forks right in the Crockpot. Then stir in your cheese and chopped bacon. Let it melt and get gooey.
5. Combine & Serve
Add the cooked pasta into the Crockpot, stir it all together, and taste for seasoning. That’s it—you just made chicken bacon ranch pasta like a pro.
Serving Suggestions
Need some ideas to round out your chicken bacon ranch pasta dinner? Here’s what I serve it with to make it feel fancy (even when it’s not):
Perfect Sides:
- Crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted zucchini or broccoli
- Steamed green beans with garlic butter
- Warm garlic bread or crusty rolls
This pasta is rich and creamy, so pair it with something light and fresh to balance all that cheesy goodness.
Related Recipes (Internal Links)
Love this chicken bacon ranch pasta? You’re going to obsess over these too:
- Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Bookmark ’em now and thank me later. Comfort food has officially found its home.
Tips and FAQs
Before you dive into your chicken bacon ranch pasta, here are a few pro tips and answers to common questions I get all the time.
🔄 Substitute Ideas:
- No ranch seasoning? Check our substitute list.
- Other cheeses? Pepper Jack, white cheddar, or even cream cheese!
- No Alfredo? Make your own—check out understanding Alfredo sauce ingredients.
- Bacon alternatives? Turkey bacon or veggie bacon works too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cubed instead of shredded chicken?
Yes! But shredding gives the pasta that silky, luxurious texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yep. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
What pasta works best?
Cellentani, penne, or rotini—anything that holds sauce well.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Add it right before serving. Want it extra crisp? Bake or air-fry it.
Does this freeze well?
Absolutely. Let it cool, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.