Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of “Ultimate Comfort Dish: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta,” a meal that combines the beloved tastes of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing. This dish is a creamy, comforting, and irresistible pasta recipe perfect for those who crave a hearty meal. With its satisfying blend of ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite, ideal for busy weeknights, leisurely weekend dinners, or any time you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- Flavorful Combination: The savory goodness of bacon and chicken paired with the tangy taste of ranch creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Creamy and Comforting: A rich and creamy sauce envelops the pasta, offering a cozy, comforting experience with every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a no-fuss, delicious meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned, cooked, and diced or shredded.
- Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch to the dish.
- Pasta: Any type of pasta works well, but shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great for holding the sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: Use store-bought ranch or homemade for seasoning the sauce, providing that distinct ranch flavor.
- Cream and Cheese: A combination of heavy cream and shredded cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan creates a rich, smooth sauce.
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and optional additions like peas or bell peppers enhance the dish’s flavors and nutrition.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken and bacon until done, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic (and other veggies if using) until softened.
- Create the Sauce: Add ranch dressing, cream, and shredded cheese to the pan, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon in the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or bacon bits before serving hot.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups pasta (like penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour the heavy cream and ranch dressing into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional bacon bits before serving.
