Chicken bacon ranch pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce with pasta. This comforting meal is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, or extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
**1. Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
**2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon:**
– In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
– In the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
**3. Make the Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
– Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
– Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
**4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, Bacon, and Sauce:**
– Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
– Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
**5. Garnish and Serve:**
– Garnish the chicken bacon ranch pasta with chopped fresh parsley and any additional toppings of your choice, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, or extra Parmesan cheese.
– Serve the pasta hot and enjoy!
Tips:
– For a lighter version of this dish, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether.
– Feel free to add extra vegetables to the pasta, such as broccoli, peas, or spinach, for added nutrition and color.
– Adjust the amount of ranch dressing according to your taste preference. You can add more for a stronger ranch flavor or less for a milder taste.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, this chicken bacon ranch pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding your family, this delicious pasta dish is sure to impress!
