Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing in a comforting pasta meal. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of convenience and heartiness that makes it a favorite among families and busy individuals alike. The combination of creamy sauce and savory ingredients creates a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Originating from the popular ranch dressing that has graced tables for decades, this dish has evolved into a beloved comfort food that many cherish. People love this dish not only for its incredible taste but also for its quick preparation time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Cooking the Chicken and Bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to ensure it is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- If you want to add some color and nutrition, toss in the frozen peas at this stage and let them cook in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
Combining Everything
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy ranch sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the pasta, mixing everything together until well combined.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it melts into the pasta, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms up.
- Stir occasionally until heated through, and enjoy your delicious creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta again!
Tips for Success
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, then this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an absolute must-try! The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crispy bacon, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The crunch of the salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, while the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you want to add a bit of color and nutrition, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach into the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a healthy twist that everyone will appreciate.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, there are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different flavor profile. You can also play around with the type of pasta you use; penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat options can all work beautifully. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for an extra kick. The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is its versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Once you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation on social media. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover this fantastic recipe. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, featuring tender penne, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to ensure it is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- If you want to add some color and nutrition, toss in the frozen peas at this stage and let them cook in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy ranch sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the pasta, mixing everything together until well combined.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it melts into the pasta, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms up.
- Stir occasionally until heated through, and enjoy your delicious creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta again!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a different twist.
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