High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: Creamy, Guilt-Free, and Delicious

This High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an easy, nutritious dinner idea that’s packed with flavor but won’t weigh you down! Creamy, cheesy, and full of seasoned chicken bites with crispy bacon—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a family-friendly meal. Plus, using quality cooking tools like a Wooden Soup Ladle or a Wooden Spatula makes cooking and serving a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-Protein & Satisfying: Chicken breast and low-fat cheeses make this pasta filling without extra fat.
• Creamy Without the Guilt: Low-fat cream and fat-free chicken broth provide indulgent texture without overdoing it.
• Customizable & Easy: Swap pasta types, add vegetables, or replace chicken with smoked sausage. Using a Wooden Utensil Set helps mix everything evenly and effortlessly.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

• 2 small chicken breasts, diced
• 6 strips bacon (or turkey bacon for lower fat)
• 1 cup high-fiber or whole wheat pasta
• 2 tbsp low-fat butter or margarine
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup low-fat cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tip: For a lighter version, swap part of the pasta for zucchini noodles. You can also use mushrooms instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Instructions

Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a skillet over low heat. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving some of the drippings in a small bowl.

Prepare the Chicken

2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat 2 tbsp of bacon drippings (or oil) over medium-high heat. Sear chicken slices 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes.

Cook the Pasta

4. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce

5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir for another minute.
6. Gradually add cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and bring to a gentle bubble.
7. Stir in ranch seasoning, then gradually mix in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.

Combine Everything

8. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Gently stir with a Wooden Spatula until everything is coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Shred cheese from a block—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Thick-cut bacon gives more drippings for extra flavor.
• Swap chicken with smoked sausage or add frozen vegetables to make a complete meal.
• Pair with Garlic Bread with Cheese for the ultimate comfort dinner.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; reheats beautifully.
• Casserole Method: Transfer cooked pasta to a 9x13 baking dish, top with 1.5 cups shredded cheddar, cover, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is creamy, savory, and satisfying without overloading on fat. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving a comfort-food dinner that won’t derail your nutrition goals. Try it today and see why it’s one of our favorite healthy pasta recipes! Don’t forget to use your Wooden Utensil Set for easy cooking and serving.