Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort in every creamy, cheesy bite. Crispy bacon and tender chicken mingle with ranch-seasoned noodles, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet with residual bacon fat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour milk and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking ranch seasoning until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually introduce cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
- Incorporate pre-cooked chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution and heating through.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, allowing each strand to be completely coated. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and added freshness.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent a mushy texture when mixed with creamy sauce.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and robust flavor that holds up well in the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking ranch seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg