ADVERTISEMENT
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
- For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces for easy mixing later.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the ranch dressing and heavy cream. Stir them together until combined and heated through.
Next, add the Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken and is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet with the creamy ranch sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If needed, you can add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is mixed well and heated through, serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Optional Variations and Tips:
- Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta. You can sauté these vegetables with the chicken or mix them in when combining the pasta with the sauce.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken. Just skip the step of cooking the chicken and add it straight into the sauce for an even quicker meal.
- Spicy Version: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in a tablespoon of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk and use light ranch dressing to cut back on the richness.
- Cheese Variations: If you want to mix things up, try adding other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but you can also serve it with some sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy pasta.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus would pair wonderfully with this dish for a healthy and flavorful addition.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, flavorful sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a one-pan dish that combines all the best flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something that’ll wow your dinner guests, this dish has got you covered.
Ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta dish? Give this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta a try—you’ll love every bite!
