Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
What is the holy trinity of flavor? Chicken, bacon, and ranch. Imagine a symphony of deliciousness swirled into pasta. What’s your go-to snack?Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe.Is it easier to make than Grandma’s famous lasagna? If you’re looking for something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the most inquisitive person, this is it. If you’re a pickiest eater, look no further What is the recipe?
What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
What is the ultimate flavor explosion in a bowl?Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe.Is basically a creamy pasta dish where tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing come together. In perfect harmony. What’s essentially a deconstructed chicken bacon ranch sandwich in pasta form? What is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a fork and savor every single single bite of it? What are some quick ways to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best thing about this recipe? What’s your take on the savory chicken, the salty bacon, and the creamy pasta? What is the best thing about this flavor rollercoaster?Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe.How easy is it to make a recipe? What are some of the easiest to learn cooking techniques? If I can do it after a long day at work, anyone can!
What are some of the best recipes for a healthy dinner? Chicken and pasta are budget-friendly staples, and bacon goes a long way. Plus, you can easily customize it based on what you have in your fridge. What are some of the best things about a car? I’ve served it hot, cold as a pasta salad, and even as baked casserole. What are some great nighttime snacks? What’s your favorite quick pasta dish? What are the different flavor profiles? What do you think of ranch dressing?
How do I make chicken bacon ranch Pasta?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe.Is it as easy as boiling water? While those are doing their thing, you’ll cook up some chicken. What are some good ways to toss everything together with ranch dressing, cream cheese, and a little bit of milk? How do you make a creamy, dreamy sauce? What is the beauty of this recipe? Don’t stress if you don’T have exact measurements – just eyeball it and adjust to your liking!
Ingredients Notes:
For the Pasta:
What is your favorite pasta shape? I usually go for penne or rotini because they hold the sauce really well, but feel free to use whatever you like. What do you have on hand?
For the Chicken:
I love using boneless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer meat. I always make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking so they cook evenly.
For the Bacon:
I prefer regular bacon, cooked until crispy. I like thick-cut bacon because it crumbles easier. Can you use bacon bits for a shortcut?
For the Sauce:
Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade), cream cheese (softened), milk (any kind will work! ), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my recipe. I once tried it with almond milk when I ran out of regular milk, and honestly, it was just as good!
Optional Extras:
Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
What is the best way to boil salted water? Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside. I always add a drizzle of olive oil to pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble bacon into small pieces. Don’t discard the bacon grease! What is the best way to add flavor to chicken?
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease (or a little bit of olive oil if you prefer). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. I always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to be safe.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, and milk. Set aside. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce!
Step 6: Add Optional Extras
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, if desired. I always add a generous amount of cheddar cheese because, well, cheese makes everything better!
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe.What’s your favorite bacon recipe?
What should I serve it with?
This pasta dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some servings.
What is a quick lunch?Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
For a potluck:What are some of the best ways to serve a casserole dish?
For a family dinner: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
What is a good late night snack?What is the best way to dig in a fridge?
Growing up, my mom always served this with a side of corn on the cob. I know it’s a weird combination, but it totally works!
What are some tips for perfecting chicken bacon ranch Pasta?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe even better:
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to preventing a mushy dish.
Crispy bacon is a must: Soggy bacon is a crime against flavor.
Soften the cream cheese: This will ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for some brightness.
Use high-quality ranch dressing: The ranch dressing is the star of the show, so choose one that you really love. I’ve tried making my own ranch dressing, and while it’s delicious, store-bought is just so much more convenient.
If you want to add veggies, do it! Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or even some sun-dried tomatoes can really liven up this dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is great for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave the pasta until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to rehydrate the sauce. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe is truly a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a hit with my family. I love that it’s so customizable – you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, you absolutely have to try this one. And if you’re looking for more easy weeknight meals, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add garlic to the chicken and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet, mixing well to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
