If you’re craving a hearty, creamy pasta that combines the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing, then look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe! This dish has it all – tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy ranch sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta. It’s the kind of comfort food that the whole family will love, and it’s easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Creamy & Flavorful – Rich ranch flavor combined with the creaminess of the sauce. ✔️ Quick & Easy – A one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. ✔️ Loaded with Flavor – Bacon and chicken bring the perfect savory balance. ✔️ Kid-Friendly – A delicious meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Pasta:
- 250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (about 400g or 14 oz), cubed
- 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 240ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy and browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir for another minute to cook the flour. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens up to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
✔️ Use Thick-Cut Bacon – For extra flavor and texture, opt for thick-cut bacon.
✔️ Adjust the Creaminess – If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
✔️ Add Veggies – For a bit of extra nutrition, you can throw in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms when making the sauce.
✔️ Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Storage & Freezing
🧊 Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freeze: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat by thawing and warming on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
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