Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta sparks comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this classic dish for home cooks who crave rich, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, diced
- 6 bacon slices, cooked, crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or favorite shape)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 oz (28 g) ranch seasoning mix packet
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of starchy water for potential sauce modification.
- Chicken Cooking: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and fully cooked, eliminating any pink interior.
- Sauce Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a smooth liquid base. Integrate ranch seasoning mix, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop robust flavors while stirring continuously.
- Cheese Incorporation: Gradually whisk shredded cheddar and Parmesan into the simmering sauce until completely melted, achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Final Assembly: Fold crispy bacon and cooked chicken into the creamy sauce. Add pasta, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional Parmesan sprinkle. Plate immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Control Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Manage Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin or adjust the sauce’s thickness without compromising its rich flavor profile.
- Balance Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 5
- Calories: 1245
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 79 g
- Saturated Fat: 34 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 236 mg