Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini is an easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty seasonings, this simple pasta dish is ready in just 25 minutes!
You’ll also enjoy these Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets and Chicken & Mashed Potato Casserole!
If you’ve made our bacon ranch pasta salad, you already know how well that creamy, zesty flavor combo works. It’s been a favorite around here during the warmer months, and now, we’re giving it a cozy twist with this chicken bacon ranch tortellini.
This easy one-pot meal brings together cheese tortellini, rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce for a comforting dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor. I love using store-bought tortellini and pre-cooked chicken to keep things simple, especially on busy nights.
Even my ranch-skeptic husband couldn’t resist a second helping. It’s a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients in Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe:
With just a few store-bought staples like rotisserie chicken, refrigerated tortellini, and ranch seasoning, this recipe keeps prep time minimal.
Gather these simple ingredients:
- Bacon
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Shredded, cooked chicken
- Half-and-half
- Shredded cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix (Hidden Valley is my favorite brand, but any kind will work)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Tortellini with Bacon and Chicken:
In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, satisfying pasta dish ready to serve—perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
Here’s how to make it:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan from heat and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to soak up the grease. Once bacon has cooled slightly, roughly chop.
- While bacon is cooking, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
- Add chopped bacon, chicken, half-and-half (or heavy cream), mozzarella, ranch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to tortellini. Stir well and cook over low heat until cheese has started to melt and chicken is warmed through.
- Adjust seasonings, if needed, and serve immediately.
How to Store and Reheat Pasta:
Tortellini will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To freeze: place cooled tortellini in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Defrost in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Reheat pasta in the microwave.
What to Serve with Pasta:
This bacon ranch casserole makes a delicious pasta dish on its own. However, I like to serve it with this air fryer cheesy garlic bread, a green salad, or fresh rolls.
Variations of Chicken Tortellini Pasta:
There are some great options to vary this tortellini. Here are a few of my favorite ways:
- Swap the cheese tortellini for meat tortellini or another pasta! The pasta itself is versatile and easy to customize. Penne pasta, rotini pasta, or cavatappi would work well.
- Switch up the cheese! Sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or pepperjack cheese would make a delicious addition.
- Leave out the chicken and/or bacon if you prefer! You can make this a vegetarian pasta or add in some ground beef or cooked shrimp for a different touch.
- Add some veggies! Fresh, cooked broccoli, asparagus or cherry tomatoes would make a tasty addition.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bacon Tortellini:
- If you want to save time, cook the bacon before-hand or use fully cooked bacon that you can find near the fresh bacon at your grocery store.
- If cooking your own chicken, either shred or cube when adding to the pasta.
- If you want a lighter sauce, swap the half-and-half with 2% milk. You can also swap the half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer taste.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste. I ended up adding almost the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix because i just love the flavors.
Looking for More Easy Pasta Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Pizza Pasta Salad
- Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Chili with Pasta
- Easy Baked Spaghetti
- Chicken Parmesan Burgers
- Baked Ranch Mushrooms
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
Ingredients
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini, (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken OR two small chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed, (I used store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken found near the deli section of my grocery store)
- ¾ cup half-and-half, (or heavy cream)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning, (or 2 tablespoons store-bought dry ranch mix)
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, (to taste)
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan from heat and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to soak up the grease. Once bacon has cooled slightly, roughly chop.
- While bacon is cooking, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
- Add chopped bacon, chicken, half-and-half (or heavy cream), mozzarella, ranch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to tortellini. Stir well and cook over low heat until cheese has started to melt and chicken is warmed through.
- Adjust seasonings, if needed, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen tortellini may be used.
- Tortellini will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to two months.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini above the recipe box.
So delicious!! I will definitely be making it again
I’m so happy to hear that, Crystal!