If you're in the mood for a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, then Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate meal for you. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy and flavorful, with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-inspired sauce. It's easy to make, filling, and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you're feeding the whole family or just looking for a quick dinner, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta will hit the spot every time. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for the perfect complete meal.
Ingredients (in grams)
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200 g pasta (penne, rotini, or your preferred type)
- 6 slices of bacon (about 90 g), chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6 g)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 30 g)
- 240 g cream cheese, softened
- 240 g heavy cream
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken and Bacon:
- Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet. - Cook the chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, add the softened cream cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts and combines with the garlic. - Add the ranch seasoning:
Stir in the remaining ranch seasoning mix and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. - Add the cheeses:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining the Dish:
- Combine the pasta and chicken:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serving:
- Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional shredded cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a creamy, delicious meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 1,000 mg
(These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Customizable cheese: For a more flavorful twist, try adding some Parmesan cheese along with the cheddar and mozzarella. It will give the sauce a delicious depth of flavor.
- Add vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to this dish for a nutritious boost.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Make it lighter: Swap the cream cheese and heavy cream for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt and light cream cheese for a reduced-fat version.
- Meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
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Why is Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta such a hit?
This dish combines everything you love about comfort food—creamy sauce, bacon, and cheesy pasta—into one delicious skillet meal. It’s an easy and quick option for weeknight dinners that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The versatility of this recipe also means you can make it your own by adding vegetables, extra spices, or even swapping the pasta for a low-carb version.
To make your website even more engaging, consider offering tips on how to prepare this dish in one-pot or slow-cooker versions for those who want to simplify the process even more!
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