Chicken_Bacon_Ranch_Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe: A Deliciously Creamy Comfort Meal

ByJulia C. Harper

Craving something indulgent yet easy to whip up? Look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This creamy, flavorful dish combines the rich tastes of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a ranch dressing sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple to follow and full of hearty ingredients that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini works great)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
  3. Cook the Pasta:
    While the chicken and bacon are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:
    In the same skillet you used for the chicken, pour in the ranch dressing, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine the Ingredients:
    Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Add Bacon and Cheese:
    Toss in the crumbled bacon and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish:
    Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Recipe Notes:

  • Chicken Substitute: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it with turkey or even shrimp.
  • Pasta Options: Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well with this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite pasta!
  • Ranch Dressing: For an extra punch of flavor, try using homemade ranch dressing instead of store-bought.

Time & Servings:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta for up to 1 month. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Sugar: 3g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

  • Crispy Bacon: For extra crispiness, cook the bacon in the oven instead of a skillet. Lay it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
  • Cheese Options: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor.
  • Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

How to Serve:

  • Side Dish Ideas: Pair this pasta with a light salad, such as a simple Caesar or arugula salad, to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Bread Side: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any leftover sauce.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

  • Large skillet
  • Medium pot for pasta
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs or pasta spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQs:

Yes, you can prep the chicken, bacon, and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and then simply cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Just note that the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

While ranch dressing gives this dish its signature flavor, you can try substituting with blue cheese dressing or a Caesar dressing for a different twist.

To reheat, add a bit of milk or cream to the pasta before heating it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir until warmed through and creamy again.

Final Thoughts:

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort. The combination of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch sauce creates a perfect harmony of tastes and textures that will surely please anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to cook for a small family or a crowd, this dish is versatile and easy to scale.

With the addition of simple ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, you’re guaranteed a creamy, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta just right. Plus, it’s a great meal to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Remember, you can always customize this recipe to fit your preferences. Want to make it lighter? Swap out the cream for milk or a non-dairy alternative. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. And if you’re in the mood for something spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce can give it an extra kick.

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