Description

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delectable comfort food that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce enveloping your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and creamy texture. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or served to guests, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
6 strips thick-cut bacon
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Using the bacon grease, add seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese; mix until creamy.
5. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss well to coat all ingredients in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve It Up: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 280g)
Calories: 560
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in fresh vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk.