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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-flavored sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or comforting weekend meals, it delivers rich flavor and family-friendly comfort in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6–8 strips bacon

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)

Sauce

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté in a hot skillet with oil for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook bacon strips until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the Sauce: Using bacon drippings in the skillet, add ranch dressing and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until sauce thickens slightly. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Toss gently to combine and warm through. Add reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.
  6. Final Touches: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken and crisp bacon for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use high-quality ranch dressing for best taste.
  • Mix cheeses for extra depth and meltability if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, Pasta, Creamy, Quick dinner, Comfort food

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta/