Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort on a plate with savory ingredients blending perfectly. Home cooks will enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that comes together quickly for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melt butter and gently sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth base. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes into the liquid.
- Gradually incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a creamy, uniform consistency.
- Fold diced cooked chicken and crispy crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing until every pasta strand becomes lavishly coated with the rich, savory sauce.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy pasta.
- Protein Flexibility: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
- Healthier Twist: Reduce cream content by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and opt for turkey bacon to lower overall fat and calorie intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 528 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg