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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta. This family-friendly meal offers rich, balanced flavors in a one-pot dish that suits busy weeknights and can be customized with various vegetables and cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 6 strips of bacon

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)

Sauce

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then set pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly, then slice or dice.
  3. Crisp the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook bacon strips until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then roughly chop.
  4. Make the Sauce: Lower heat, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in ranch dressing and heavy cream, mixing gently. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and chopped bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and heat through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and help it hold sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed without watering down flavors.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Use high-quality ranch dressing for best flavor impact.
  • For crispier and less greasy bacon, cook it in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, chicken pasta, bacon pasta, ranch pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, one-pot pasta

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