Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch-flavored sauce. This dish is rich, flavorful, and packed with delicious ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a quick weeknight meal, this creamy pasta will quickly become a favorite. The savory ranch seasoning, melted cheese, and crunchy bacon create an irresistible combination that makes every bite a delight. It’s the perfect blend of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. To start, penne pasta serves as the base, and its shape allows it to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly. You’ll need two chicken breasts, which, when diced and cooked, offer lean protein that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors in the sauce. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky element, which complements the creaminess of the ranch sauce. For the sauce, heavy cream creates the smooth texture, while cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese contribute a deep, tangy flavor. A packet of ranch seasoning mix gives the dish its signature flavor, and a touch of milk helps balance the richness. Finally, fresh parsley is used to garnish the pasta, giving it a fresh and vibrant touch.
Instructions
To make this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, start by cooking the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Next, move to the chicken. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, you’ll make the sauce. Add the heavy cream, ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. The combination of ranch seasoning and creamy cheese creates a rich, flavorful base for the pasta.
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and everything is heated through. For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the pasta before serving.
Tips
When making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, there are a few tips that can help ensure the best results. First, be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce. Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy. Second, don’t skip on the fresh parsley – it adds both color and a burst of freshness to balance out the richness of the dish. Lastly, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use less milk or cook the sauce a bit longer to reduce it.
For an even richer flavor, you can add extra cheese, or substitute the cheddar with a sharper cheese like gouda for a more robust taste. If you’re looking to add some greens to the dish, consider tossing in spinach or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta can be served on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pasta. You could also serve the pasta with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. If you want to make the dish feel even more indulgent, serve it with roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus on the side. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay, can complement the creamy flavors of the pasta, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Storage
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is easy to store for later enjoyment. To store any leftovers, simply transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it can thicken once refrigerated. You can reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne is a great choice because it holds the sauce well, but rotini, fusilli, or farfalle would also work wonderfully.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are traditional for this recipe, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time. If you plan to make it in advance, prepare the dish as directed, but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it in the oven until it’s heated through, or reheat it on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With a combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch sauce, this pasta offers an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s an easy yet indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and smoky bacon create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make this dish truly irresistible.
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🍝🍗 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Description
A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch sauce, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
• 300g penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the diced chicken until no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ In the same skillet, add heavy cream, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
4️⃣ Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
5️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings | Kcal: 600 kcal per serving