This Easy Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a fantastic dish that blends tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch sauce. It’s quick to make and oh-so comforting!
If you’re like me, you might find yourself sneaking extra bites of that creamy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that makes both kids and adults happy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: This recipe calls for penne or rotini, which hold the creamy sauce well. You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like fusilli or macaroni. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re short on chicken, any leftover meats or even plant-based alternatives work great!
Bacon: I love the crispiness of regular bacon, but turkey bacon is a lighter option. For a vegetarian take, you can skip bacon and use smoked paprika for a touch of flavor instead.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the dish a rich texture. If you need a lighter version, half-and-half can work, though the sauce may be less creamy. Dairy alternatives, like coconut cream, can also be used for a dairy-free dish.
How Do I Make the Sauce Super Creamy?
The key to achieving a creamy sauce lies in allowing the cheese to melt properly. Here’s how:
- Start with a medium heat when adding your liquids (chicken broth and cream) to avoid boiling, which can separate the sauce.
- Mix in the cheese gradually. Adding it in batches helps it melt evenly and blend into the sauce without clumps.
- Continuously stir as you combine. This ensures every bite is creamy and well-coated.
Trust me, patience is key here, and the outcome will be worth it! Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!
Easy Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. A quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Detailed Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Be sure to discard most of the bacon fat in the skillet, leaving roughly 1 tablespoon in the pan for cooking.
3. Sauté the Garlic
If needed, add olive oil to the skillet. Then add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir gently to avoid burning the garlic.
4. Warm the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and warm it through for a couple of minutes, mixing it with the garlic.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and ranch dressing into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Add Cheese
Add in the shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella) and stir it continuously until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Combine Everything
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon. Toss everything together in the skillet, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Season & Serve
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta warm and enjoy!
Delicious and easy, this pasta dish will surely become a favorite at your table! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, elbow macaroni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can use blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor, or mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and your choice of herbs and spices to create a quick homemade dressing!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt. You can also add in extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition factor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and then add the cooked pasta. Enjoy the convenience!
