Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort on a plate with rich, tangy flavors. Simple ingredients combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups chicken (diced or shredded, cooked)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package guidelines. Drain and reserve.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
- Pour heavy cream, milk, and ranch seasoning into the skillet. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Incorporate shredded cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add pre-cooked chicken and crispy bacon pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Fold reserved pasta into the mixture, gently coating each strand with the rich, tangy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional bacon crumbles if desired.
Notes
- Enhance pasta’s richness by using high-quality ranch seasoning mix for deeper flavor complexity.
- Crisp bacon beforehand to prevent soggy texture and ensure maximum crunchiness in final dish.
- Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Accommodate vegetarian preferences by substituting chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg