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Sweet and Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Sweet and Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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Sweet and Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a rich, velvety texture, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing or 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed, then set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with a little oil or butter, cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Remove from skillet and slice or cube for easier mixing.
  3. Cook the Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook thick-cut bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add butter and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and ranch dressing or seasoning mix. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts if the sauce needs thinning.
  6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked pasta for the creamiest texture by tossing it into the sauce immediately after draining while still hot.
  • Don’t skip the bacon fat as it adds a deep smoky flavor to the sauce base.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer taste.
  • Let the sauce thicken naturally by simmering slowly for best consistency and flavor.
  • Adjust the ranch dressing or seasoning amount carefully to maintain balance of flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, bacon ranch pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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