creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich and creamy sauce is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I love how versatile this recipe is too – you can serve it as a main course, or use it as a side dish for a holiday gathering. And the best part?

It’s relatively healthy, thanks to the lean protein and plenty of veggies. My kids adore it, and I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine does.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

4.8 from 1797 votes

This creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. Pasta is perfectly coated in a creamy sauce with a hint of tangy ranch flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

12 oz pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 slices bacon
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

For Garnish

Chopped parsley
Grated parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2Drain and set aside.
3This should take around 10 minutes.
4You will know the pasta is al dente when it is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it.
5While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
6Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
9Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
10In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
11Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
12Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
13Add the ranch dressing, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet.
14Stir well to combine.
15Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
16Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
17Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet.
18Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
19Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
20Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
21Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Pasta pot
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Works

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is a dish that is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a hearty and indulgent dish that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. It is a great dish for a family gathering, as it can be easily scaled up to feed a large group. It is also a great dish to make for a potluck, as it is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

This dish is also great for meal prepping, as it can be easily portioned out into containers and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights, as you can simply reheat the pasta and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. I love that this dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and bacon, as you can simply add them to the sauce and pasta, and let the flavors meld together. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors will only get better as it sits in the refrigerator.

The key to making a great creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is to cook the chicken and bacon separately, and then combine them with the pasta and sauce. This ensures that the chicken and bacon are cooked to perfection, and that the flavors of the dish are well-balanced. I always recommend serving this dish with a side of garlic bread, as it complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. The bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce, and it adds a nice crunch to the dish.

This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables, as they will be hidden in the creamy sauce. You can also add some vegetables to the dish, such as spinach or mushrooms, to make it even healthier. It is a great dish to make for a family gathering, as it is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe, I recommend using a high-quality penne or fusilli pasta. These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter version. However, keep in mind that the sauce might not be as rich and creamy.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from getting too crispy?

To prevent the bacon from getting too crispy, cook it in small batches until it’s lightly browned but still slightly chewy. This will help maintain its texture throughout the dish.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble and cook the dish.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe includes chicken and bacon, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily modify it to suit your dietary needs by substituting these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

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