Ah, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing. It’s comfort food in a bowl! Here’s a solid recipe:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until heated through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook garlic: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch dressing. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add shredded cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.
✅ Tips:
- For extra cheesiness, stir in a little cream cheese while making the sauce.
- You can swap bacon for pancetta or omit it for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for a touch of veggies.
If you want, I can also give a baked version with extra cheese on top that’s like a creamy pasta casserole—perfect for leftovers.
Do you want me to give that version?