Description
A creamy, savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-flavored sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a rich and satisfying weeknight meal that’s quick and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into small strips
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the bacon into small strips, mince garlic, and finely chop the onion.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy and browned. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics: Discard excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon. Add diced chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink. Stir in garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: Lower the heat and add heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and combined. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and bubbling gently.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; cook just until opaque.
- Use sharp cheddar for a tangy flavor and smooth melt.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to add if the sauce is too thick for a silkier finish.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after mixing.
- Customize ranch seasoning with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-five grams
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, easy pasta recipe