{"id":2081052,"date":"2024-11-19T15:56:48","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T06:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&#038;p=2081052"},"modified":"2025-02-03T08:17:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T14:17:04","slug":"chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Even though I love pasta, I often fall into a rut on pasta night, cracking open a can of tomato sauce and tossing it with whatever noodles I&#8217;ve got. But it&#8217;s time to spice things up with our chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe. This rich, tangy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/incredible-5-star-pasta-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/incredible-5-star-pasta-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pasta recipe<\/a> is super quick to make. The cream-based sauce doesn&#8217;t require much more effort than opening a jar of sauce\u2014just stir the cream and ranch dressing mix together.<\/p>\n<p>For the chicken, use any leftovers you have in the fridge, whether from a rotisserie bird or any favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ways-to-cook-boneless-skinless-chicken-breasts\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ways-to-cook-boneless-skinless-chicken-breasts\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">chicken breast recipe<\/a>. You get a full-flavored dish with exciting textures from these simple ingredients: crispy bacon, creamy noodles and crunchy cherry tomatoes. Serve it for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/quick-easy-family-dinners\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/quick-easy-family-dinners\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">speedy family dinner<\/a> and watch even the fussiest eater clear their plate.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cavatappi pasta:<\/strong> Also known as corkscrew pasta, these curly noodles have two elbows. If you can&#8217;t find cavatappi, swap in another short, tubular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pasta shape<\/a>, such as elbows or penne.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bacon strips:<\/strong> Bacon plays two key roles in this dish: It adds savory flavor and breaks up the softness of the pasta with a crispy texture. In a pinch, you can use precooked bacon bits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Garlic cloves:<\/strong> Garlic lovers know that spicy, aromatic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-mince-garlic\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-mince-garlic\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">minced garlic<\/a> is a key ingredient in pasta sauce.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heavy whipping cream:<\/strong> Rich, heavy cream makes for a decadent pasta sauce. You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter alternative.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ranch salad dressing mix:<\/strong> For a speedy flavor boost, shake a packet of store-bought or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ranch-dressing-and-dip-mix\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ranch-dressing-and-dip-mix\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">homemade ranch dressing mix<\/a> into the sauce.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pepper:<\/strong> A dash of pepper adds heat that brightens the creamy sauce.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shredded cheddar cheese:<\/strong> For the best flavor, use a high-quality brand of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-cheddar-cheese\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-cheddar-cheese\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shredded cheddar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cooked chicken breasts:<\/strong> This recipe saves time by using precooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken. Bacon chicken ranch pasta is also a great way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/leftover-chicken-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/leftover-chicken-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">use up leftover chicken<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grape tomatoes:<\/strong> For crunch and zippy fresh flavor, toss sliced tomatoes into the bacon chicken ranch pasta.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Green onions:<\/strong> Thinly sliced green onions add a welcome dash of color and bright, fresh flavor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n<p>Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Crisp the bacon<\/h3>\n<p>Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, seven to eight minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s Tip:<\/em> Another excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cook-bacon\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cook-bacon\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">way to cook bacon<\/a> is to bake it. When you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-bake-bacon\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-bake-bacon\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">make bacon in the oven<\/a>, the pieces are evenly cooked and you can still save the bacon fat for other uses.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Make the sauce<\/h3>\n<p>In the same skillet, pour off the excess bacon fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Add the cream, ranch seasoning, pepper and cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheddar cheese fully melts, two to three minutes.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s Tip:<\/em> Garlic browns quite quickly, so be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic has a bitter taste that will flavor the entire sauce.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Combine the pasta and sauce<\/h3>\n<p>Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Cook until heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Add the garnishes<\/h3>\n<p>Off the heat, stir in the crumbled bacon, tomatoes and half the green onions. Use the remaining green onions to garnish individual bowls.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2111085\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Pasta_FT25_269414_EC_0117_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta \" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lighten up:<\/strong> For a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/light-comfort-foods\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/light-comfort-foods\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lighter comfort food<\/a> dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy whipping cream and skip the bacon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Go gluten-free:<\/strong> Use a gluten-free pasta shell to make this an easy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/gluten-free-dinner-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/gluten-free-dinner-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gluten-free dinner<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spice it up:<\/strong> Tangy, savory ranch dressing is surprisingly versatile and pairs well with other seasonings. Try a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a minced herb such as dill, parsley or cilantro.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Play with proteins:<\/strong> While cooked chicken is tasty here, you can also use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/leftover-ham-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/leftover-ham-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">leftover ham<\/a>, sliced sausage or a vegetarian protein, such as white beans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add veggies:<\/strong> This creamy pasta is a great place to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/sneaky-ways-to-eat-more-vegetables\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/sneaky-ways-to-eat-more-vegetables\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sneak in vegetables<\/a>, especially for fussy eaters. Try chopped broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, sliced kale or spinach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta<\/h2>\n<p>It is good to eat most pasta dishes as soon as possible, as the noodles absorb the sauce and soften as they sit. That said, store chicken bacon ranch pasta in an airtight container and it will last up to four days in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you freeze chicken bacon ranch pasta?<\/h3>\n<p>Chicken ranch pasta does not freeze well. Heavy cream tends to separate when defrosted, so the sauce&#8217;s texture and consistency won&#8217;t be very appealing. Baked pastas, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-egg-noodle-casserole\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-egg-noodle-casserole\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">chicken noodle casserole<\/a>, are usually best for freezing, as they use condensed soup and dairy for a more freezer-friendly sauce.<\/p>\n<h3>How do you reheat chicken bacon ranch pasta?<\/h3>\n<p>Reheat bowls of pasta in the microwave. Before reheating, add a spoonful of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.<\/p>\n<h2>Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2111086\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Pasta_FT25_269414_EC_0117_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Can you make chicken bacon ranch pasta into a casserole?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can turn this recipe into a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/pasta-casserole-recipes-13x9\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/pasta-casserole-recipes-13x9\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">baked pasta casserole<\/a>. Prepare the recipe through Step 4, but instead of heating the chicken, pasta and sauce in a skillet, transfer them to a greased 13&#215;9-inch pan, cover the pan with foil and bake at 350\u00b0F until hot, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the dish with the garnishes listed in Step 5 (bacon, green onions and tomatoes). If you like an extra-cheesy topping, you can also sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top at this point. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes and serve hot.<\/p>\n<h3>What can you serve with chicken bacon ranch pasta?<\/h3>\n<p>Since bacon chicken ranch pasta includes a protein and a starch, we always like to serve it with a vegetable. Some of our favorite options are the simplest: a simple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/top-10-green-salads\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/top-10-green-salads\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">green salad<\/a> or a cooked green, such as sauteed kale or steamed broccoli. You can certainly get fancier by dishing up a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/recipes-for-vegetable-side-dishes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/recipes-for-vegetable-side-dishes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">vegetable side dish<\/a>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/heirloom-tomato-zucchini-salad\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/heirloom-tomato-zucchini-salad\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tomato salad<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/roasted-carrots-with-thyme\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/roasted-carrots-with-thyme\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">roasted carrots<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/sauteed-garlic-mushrooms\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/sauteed-garlic-mushrooms\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">garlicky mushrooms<\/a>. And every bowl of pasta tastes delicious with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/parmesan-garlic-breadsticks\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/parmesan-garlic-breadsticks\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">breadsticks<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garlic-bread\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garlic-bread\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">garlic bread<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This tangy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe is a fun twist on creamy pasta. It&#8217;s made with shortcut ingredients so you can get dinner on the table quickly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7022,"featured_media":2109033,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[307384,307335,306928,306910,307794,307330,304328,304292,305487,304338,303966,303887,306848,304347,304268,307307,304026,307514,306297,307383,304350,324623,304243,304020,304005,304150,303883,307789,307614],"categories-v2":[310411,310372,309924,309906,310754,310369,308988,308984,308481,308305,310796,308992,308495,308478,309603,308998,259483,310342,308606,310497,312156,310410,309001,309177,309586,308594,308549,309434,308476,310750,310591],"coauthors":[152278],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-cheeseburger-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Pasta_EXPS_TOHD24_12349_LeticiaAlmeida_07.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-and-spinach-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_199593_LauraScherb_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cajun Chicken Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/cajun-chicken-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cajun-Chicken-Pasta_EXPS_TOHcom24_112947_MD_P2_09_05_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Casserole_EXPS_TOHcom25_192857_DR_01_15_10b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-ranch-mac-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_151889_EricKleinberg_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Creamy-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_TOHCA20_184722_B01_14_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pasta Primavera","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-pasta-primavera\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps17450_QC10249D61A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pasta Toss","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-pasta-toss\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps34192_SD1194411D25.jpg"},{"post_title":"Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bacon-Ranch-Pasta-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_277610_JonathanMelendez_04.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-chicken-club-pizza\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Pizza_EXPS_TOHD24_46938_EricKleinberg_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pasta Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-pasta-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chicken-Pasta-Casserole_exps29483_SD19999443C04_22_4bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps3468_CX2939C51B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Ranch-Pasta-Salad_exps23249_SD19999443C04_19_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Bacon Chicken Alfredo","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-chicken-alfredo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps24072_QC10480D10A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Salad Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-salad-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Spaghetti Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-spaghetti-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps26812_CFT10529D42BS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham and Cheese Ranch Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-and-cheese-ranch-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps21209_LT10350D53.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Bacon","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-with-bacon\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chicken-Fettuccine-Alfredo-with-Bacon_exps36812_THCB1914178A01_08_5bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Bacon Cheeseburger Spaghetti","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-cheeseburger-spaghetti\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps42616_SD1440073D35C.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_FT25_269414_EC_0117_1.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta\/","name":"Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta","datePublished":"2024-11-19","dateModified":"2025-02-03","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT25M","totalTime":"PT40M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Pasta_EXPS_FT25_269414_EC_0117_1.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"Shake up your tired spaghetti routine with this creamy, crunchy, tangy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe. It comes together in minutes and is endlessly riffable so you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand.","recipeIngredient":["8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta","1\/2 pound bacon strips","2 garlic cloves, minced","1-1\/2 cups heavy whipping cream","1 package (1 ounce) ranch salad dressing mix","1\/2 teaspoon pepper","2 cups shredded cheddar cheese","3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast","1 pint grape tomatoes, halved","1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, divided"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Crisp the bacon","text":"Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, seven to eight minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces. Editor's Tip: Another excellent way to cook bacon is to bake it. When you make bacon in the oven, the pieces are evenly cooked and you can still save the bacon fat for other uses."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the sauce","text":"In the same skillet, pour off the excess bacon fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Add the cream, ranch seasoning, pepper and cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheddar cheese fully melts, two to three minutes. Editor's Tip: Garlic browns quite quickly, so be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic has a bitter taste that will flavor the entire sauce."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine the pasta and sauce","text":"Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Cook until heated through, 10 to 12 minutes."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the garnishes","text":"Off the heat, stir in the crumbled bacon, tomatoes and half the green onions. 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