Description
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch dressing sauce, all tossed with pasta for an irresistible meal. This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping. The combination of creamy ranch dressing, savory bacon, and juicy chicken makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water (optional, for sauce thinning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy, chicken breasts add a high-protein, low-fat component to this pasta dish.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy ranch sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: This is the base of the sauce, giving the dish its creamy and tangy flavor.
- Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella add richness and creaminess, making the dish even more indulgent.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini hold the sauce well, allowing you to enjoy every creamy bite.
Instructions
Cook the Bacon and Chicken:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave a little bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: While the bacon and chicken cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water (or chicken broth) to help thin the sauce if needed.
Prepare the Ranch Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the bacon and chicken, add the ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine and heat over low-medium heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Combine the Pasta and Ingredients:
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ranch sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve the Pasta: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan over the top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-600 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g