Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the rich flavors of ranch seasoning, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a comforting bowl of happiness that pairs well with a crisp salad or buttery garlic bread. Let’s dive into making this irresistible pasta dish!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the cooked bacon and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Add the ranch seasoning mix, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Time and Servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Variations
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Swap chicken for shrimp or even diced turkey for a different protein option. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey bacon in place of regular bacon. Experiment with different types of pasta like bowtie or fettuccine to suit your preference.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can mix dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a homemade ranch blend.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To fix this, warm it slowly and stir thoroughly.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta—a comforting dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg