Introduction:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch-flavored sauce. This easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for a family dinner, packed with hearty ingredients, and loaded with the classic flavors of ranch seasoning. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, and rich, creamy sauce makes this recipe an irresistible favorite that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser, this pasta dish delivers on taste and simplicity.
Ingredients and Quantities:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Tips for Success:
- Cook the bacon first to ensure it’s nice and crispy, and use the bacon drippings for added flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Add more ranch seasoning to adjust the flavor if needed, or use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
How to Make and Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken:
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the diced chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the ranch sauce:
- In the skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if using) until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Description:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch-flavored sauce. The heavy cream and cheese create a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to each bite of pasta, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. The tanginess of ranch seasoning elevates this dish, making it a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and a creamy sauce makes this meal a comforting and satisfying option for any dinner. It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or even meal prepping for the week. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!