Description
Succulent Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta delivers a harmonious blend of creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken in one irresistible dish. Comfort and flavor merge seamlessly, promising a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Oils:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, searing diced chicken seasoned with black pepper and paprika until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the chicken, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance aromatic flavors.
- Lower skillet temperature to low, introducing cooked pasta, crispy crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and heavy cream, stirring thoroughly to integrate ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, gently mixing until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring cheese melts completely and flavors harmonize.
- Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy, maintaining optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more diet-friendly for those with specific nutritional needs.
- Cook bacon separately and drain excess fat to reduce overall calorie content and create a lighter version of the recipe.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 637 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg