Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta
This creamy, indulgent dish combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and tangy ranch dressing with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal that's both comforting and versatile.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 strips bacon, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for heat
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prep all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cut chicken into even, bite-sized pieces about 1-inch in size.
- Chop bacon into small pieces before cooking.
- Measure out all liquids and seasonings.
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the same pan, add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden.
- Remove chicken and bacon from the pan. Add onions to the pan and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and ranch seasoning.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
- Return cooked chicken and bacon to the pan, stirring gently.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For meal prep, components can be prepared ahead. Consider lighter ingredient substitutions for a healthier option.