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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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A creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch sauce with pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting dish is family-friendly, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 6 strips bacon

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rotini, fusilli recommended)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use dairy-free for alternative)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (coconut milk for dairy-free version)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., parsley, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 cup broccoli florets, peas, or bell peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. In the same pan, cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped garlic and finely diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the ranch dressing and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently to thicken slightly, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and dried herbs.
  4. Combine and Toss: Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until completely coated in the creamy ranch sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm for an unbeatable chicken bacon ranch pasta experience.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to cook chicken to avoid drying and to get a nice sear.
  • Cook bacon separately for best smoky crunch; reserve bacon fat to add flavor to the sauce if desired.
  • Choose a high-quality ranch dressing to enhance flavor depth.
  • Adjust sauce creaminess by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
  • Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, family dinner recipe, ranch sauce pasta, quick chicken pasta

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