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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta


  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes:

  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or chopped broccoli
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra bacon crumbles for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  1. In a large skillet, cook the beef bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

  1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Ranch Sauce

  1. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the creamy ranch sauce.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley, extra bacon crumbles, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  2. Serve immediately with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g