Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory flavors from classic American cuisine. Home cooks can quickly prepare this hearty dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil over medium heat (375°F), seasoning with onion powder, salt, and pepper until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30-45 seconds. Pour heavy cream, ranch dressing, and blend shredded cheeses, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Integrate cooked chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and reserved pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating and uniform temperature throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce.
Notes
- Customize pasta thickness by choosing different shapes like penne, rotini, or fettuccine for varied texture and bite.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version that reduces overall calorie content.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by using chickpea or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat pasta.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra grilled chicken or crispy bacon crumbles for more substantial meal satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 602 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg