Description
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender pasta with smoky bacon, succulent chicken, and a rich, savory ranch cheese sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying gatherings, this dish offers a creamy texture and flavorful bite that will delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz of pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk for a healthier option
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the cooked chicken until heated through. Toss in the minced garlic for added flavor.
- Lower the heat, then add the ranch dressing, heavy cream (or milk), and cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken to the sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked bacon for maximum crispness and flavor.
- Customize with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrients.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version.
- For a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Bake (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 560 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg