Introduction
If you love creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta, then this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is going to be your new favorite dish! This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch dressing to make a pasta that is both comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even meal prep for the week.
The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. You can prepare this in about 30 minutes, and the result is a pasta that is creamy, savory, and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can make this amazing dish at home.
Ingredients – Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step by Step Process – Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook it in a pan until fully done. Set aside. Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Ranch Dressing
Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing to the cream. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bacon
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon into the creamy sauce. Mix everything gently so that the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle dried parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and add it to the pasta.
Q2: Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta?
You can freeze it, but it’s best to store it without cheese and ranch dressing. Add them when reheating for the best creamy texture.
Q4: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just cook it until crispy before adding it to the pasta.
Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Broccoli, peas, or bell peppers make great additions. Add them to the sauce when it’s cooking so they soften slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a perfect combination of rich, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s simple, quick, and ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Don’t forget that you can tweak this recipe to your taste by adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or trying different pasta types. Once you make it, this dish might just become a regular on your dinner table! So grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself to a plate of creamy, cheesy heaven.
