Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers a comfort food explosion that satisfies deep cravings. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple ingredients make you dream of hearty family dinners with each delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Carbohydrates:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, carefully reserving ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Fold in pre-cooked chicken and crispy crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with the luxurious sauce, adjusting consistency by slowly introducing reserved pasta water.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and ingredient.
- Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add a delightful crunch and intense flavor to the dish.
- Gradually add cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a luxuriously smooth sauce texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 585 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg