If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings, Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the perfect balance of honey BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, all tossed with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and corn, then topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this flavorful pasta dish, breaking down every ingredient, step, and helpful tip you need to ensure the best results. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be both simple and satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions.
Why You’ll Love Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
This recipe has everything you could ask for in a comfort meal—creamy, savory, and sweet. The Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta combines the richness of ranch dressing with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. The crispy bacon adds texture, while the chicken ensures that you’re getting a protein-packed meal that satisfies your hunger. Paired with the penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and corn, you get a balanced meal that hits all the right notes.
What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the level of sweetness or smokiness in the dish by tweaking the amount of BBQ sauce. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or incorporate a variety of vegetables depending on what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Before you begin cooking, let’s take a look at all the ingredients needed for this Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta recipe. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find items, making this dish both affordable and convenient.
Key Ingredients:
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2 cups penne pasta: Penne pasta is the perfect shape for this dish because it holds the sauce and other ingredients well.
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1 lb chicken breast, diced: The chicken breast is the star of the show here, providing lean protein and a juicy base for the dish.
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a crispy, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and sweet sauce.
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½ cup honey BBQ sauce: This ingredient gives the dish its sweet and smoky flavor.
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½ cup ranch dressing: The ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Cherry tomatoes add freshness and a burst of juiciness that lightens up the dish.
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1 cup corn (canned or frozen): Corn adds a slight sweetness and texture to the pasta, making it even more comforting.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese is melted on top for a deliciously gooey finish.
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2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
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1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the chicken and complements the BBQ sauce.
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½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: These seasonings are essential to bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
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¼ cup chopped green onions: Green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, let’s walk through the steps of preparing this scrumptious Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain its texture in the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy.
Step 3: Add Bacon & Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the crumbled bacon, honey BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and corn to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. The tomatoes will soften slightly, adding a burst of freshness to each bite, while the corn provides a delightful sweetness.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. The cheese will melt into the hot pasta, creating a gooey, cheesy layer. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and a hint of sharpness. Your Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is now ready to serve!
Tips for the Perfect Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
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Use Lean Chicken: To keep the dish light and healthy, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy, especially when paired with the creamy ranch sauce.
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Customize Your Veggies: While the recipe calls for cherry tomatoes and corn, feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. The creamy sauce complements a wide range of veggies.
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Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you like your pasta on the sweeter side, feel free to add more honey BBQ sauce. For a tangier version, increase the ranch dressing. This is your dish—make it your own!
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Leftover Chicken: This is an excellent recipe for using up leftover cooked chicken. Simply add it into the skillet when it’s time to add the bacon and sauces and continue from there.
Nutrition Facts for Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
The Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a hearty, filling dish with a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):
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Calories: Approximately 550-600 per serving (depending on specific ingredient brands and portions).
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Protein: 40-45 grams per serving (thanks to the chicken and bacon).
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Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams per serving.
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Fat: 25-30 grams per serving (from the bacon, cheese, and olive oil).
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Fiber: 4-5 grams per serving (from the corn and pasta).
This dish is a great source of protein and fiber, making it both filling and satisfying.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re loving the flavors of this Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta, be sure to check out these other pasta-based recipes that are just as delicious and easy to make:
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One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta – A light and flavorful pasta dish that combines spinach, tomatoes, and garlic in a simple, one-pot recipe.
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Beef and Rotini in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce – This creamy and savory pasta features tender beef and rotini in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
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Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta – A fun and unique twist on chili cheese dogs, served as a pasta dish that’s hearty and full of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook the pasta and assemble the dish. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken mixture and toss with the cooked pasta, tomatoes, and corn.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is great for this dish, you can swap it out for any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce will balance out the spice, creating a delicious contrast.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in fat?
To lower the fat content, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely. You can also use reduced-fat ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. These substitutions will still result in a flavorful dish but with fewer calories.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together all the flavors we love—creamy, savory, sweet, and smoky. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a weekend get-together, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready in no time.
Try making this dish for your next family dinner or potluck, and watch it become a new favorite!
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Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta – Easy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a comforting, cheesy delight with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet-and-tangy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines your favorite flavors for a quick and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
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2 cups penne pasta
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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½ cup honey BBQ sauce
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½ cup ranch dressing
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Bacon & Sauce: Stir in crumbled bacon, honey BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and corn to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
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Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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For a healthier option, use reduced-fat ranch dressing and cheddar cheese.
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You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even vegetarian options like tofu.
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To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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If you don’t have penne pasta, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Honey BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta, BBQ Chicken Pasta, Bacon Ranch Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food Recipe