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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting dish combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and melty cheese over your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this flavorful meal is customizable and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • 6 bacon strips

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or shells)

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing or ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup milk or cream

Garnishes (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add diced chicken. Season with garlic powder and onion powder. Cook over medium heat until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
  4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in ranch dressing, milk or cream, and shredded cheese into the skillet with the chicken. Mix well and allow cheese to melt into a smooth sauce. If sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the drained pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the cheesy ranch sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Cook bacon slowly to ensure crispy texture and maximum flavor.
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even and quick cooking.
  • Opt for homemade or high-quality ranch dressing for richer taste.
  • Melt cheese over low heat to avoid clumping and create a silky sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy bacon ranch chicken pasta, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, ranch chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/cheesy-bacon-ranch-chicken-pasta/