This creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is simply tasty! It’s loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a smooth ranch sauce that brings it all together.
You really can’t go wrong with bacon, right? I love making this dish when I’m craving comfort food. It’s an easy one-pot meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I usually use penne because its shape holds the sauce well. However, you can choose other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. Just pick what you have on hand!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is ideal, but for a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shredded leftover chicken works great too.
Bacon: The crispy bacon gives wonderful flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a lighter choice. You could also leave it out entirely for a vegetarian dish.
Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have ranch mix, you can create your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Or, you can try a store-bought Italian seasoning mix for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes this dish rich and creamy, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even non-dairy options like coconut cream for a lighter choice.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Your Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Creating a smooth, creamy sauce is key to your pasta dish. Here’s how to make sure it comes out just right:
- Cook the garlic gently to avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can make your sauce taste bitter.
- After adding the cream and broth, let it simmer on low heat. Stir frequently until it thickens slightly. Patience is important here!
- Make sure to whisk in the cheese until fully melted. If it doesn’t melt perfectly, try lowering the heat and stir well.
These steps will help you achieve the creamy texture we all love in this dish. Enjoy making your creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, and then another 20 minutes to make the dish from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside. This will be the base of your flavorful dish!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. Then, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces. Remember to reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat left in the skillet for additional flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add olive oil or butter to the skillet if necessary. Then, toss in the diced chicken. Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, just until it’s warmed through and lightly browned. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Add Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can give a bitter taste to the dish.
5. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together to really combine those flavors. Then, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and whisk until the mixture is nice and smooth.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes. This helps it thicken up just a bit, making it creamy and delicious!
7. Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy. This is the part where the magic happens!
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
9. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your pasta and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. You want every bite to be perfectly seasoned!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it immediately and enjoy a comforting, tasty meal!
And there you have it! A scrumptious dish that’s sure to impress, all in under 30 minutes.
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, cook it in the pan until fully done before adding to the pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No worries! If you’re out of ranch seasoning, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 teaspoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. This mixture will still give your dish that classic ranch flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and bacon, and instead, use vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free meal.
