Description
Discover the irresistible flavor of The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a quick and creamy 20-minute dinner featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a savory ranch sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals, this dish combines richness and comfort in every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter option
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a high-quality nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, then sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic if desired, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Pour in heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and sauce together until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. For a cheesy variation, consider adding additional cheese or spices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped garlic or sautéed onions during the sauce preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
- This dish freezes well; consume within 2 months for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg