Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect choice! With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. Creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken come together in this one-pot pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is loved for its combination of rich flavors and simple steps. It uses affordable ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your family’s preferences, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or bacon in your fridge.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed a hungry family, or just need a meal that doesn’t take all night to prepare, this pasta dish will hit the mark. The combination of creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and the smoky flavor of bacon is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or your choice)
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Ingredients for Variations:

• 1/2 cup baby spinach (for added greens)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a little spice)

Steps for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Save about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need it later to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips until they’re crispy and golden. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. After it cools slightly, crumble the bacon and set aside.

Tip: Don’t toss out the bacon grease! You can use a tablespoon of it to sauté the chicken for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or bacon grease for more flavor) and heat over medium-high. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned.

Tip: To ensure the chicken is tender, avoid overcooking. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), it’s ready.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and ranch dressing. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Tip: You can add extra ranch dressing if you want a more intense ranch flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now, add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well-combined and the cheese is melted. Make sure all the pasta is coated in the creamy ranch sauce.

Tip: For an extra cheesy twist, add a handful of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor. Enjoy it hot and fresh!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:

• Use freshly cooked bacon: Freshly cooked, crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor to this dish. While pre-cooked bacon is convenient, it won’t offer the same delicious crunch.
• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts. It’ll save you even more prep time.
• Add vegetables: If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli. Toss them into the sauce to cook for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Go gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’ve got yourself a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Low-fat version: Want to make this recipe lighter? Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream and turkey bacon in place of regular bacon.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe:

• Calories: 700 per serving
• Fat: 45g
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 32g

Side Dish Suggestions:

Pairing this rich and creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with a light side dish can create the perfect balance for your meal. Here are some simple and delicious options:

• Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread makes a great companion to the creamy pasta. You can make a quick version by spreading garlic butter on slices of bread and toasting them in the oven until golden and crispy.
• Simple Garden Salad: A fresh salad made with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans are healthy and light side dishes that add some greenery to your plate without overwhelming the rich flavors of the pasta.

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