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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, savory dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make, flavorful meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a comforting and satisfying choice that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices of bacon

Pasta

  • 12 ounces of penne or rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook the Bacon: In the same or a separate pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat, then crumble or chop into chunks.
  4. Make the Ranch Sauce: Combine ranch dressing with heavy cream (or milk) in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in shredded cheese and let it melt slowly while stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta into the sauce and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the pasta for a fresh contrast, then serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes

  • Use warm sauce: Combine pasta and sauce while the sauce is still warm to help it cling perfectly to every piece.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta if planning to reheat leftovers so it doesn’t become mushy.
  • Save pasta water: Reserve some cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or chives add brightness that balances the dish’s richness beautifully.
  • Bacon tip: Cook bacon until just crispy but not burnt to preserve flavor without bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, pasta, creamy, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly

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