Print

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4-6)

  • 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  3. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

4. Combine Everything:

  1. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
  2. Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet, and stir to coat in the sauce.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Serve:

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  2. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for added nutrition.
  • Ranch Seasoning Alternative: Use 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley if you don’t have ranch seasoning.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.