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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

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A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) penne or rotini pasta (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (can swap with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble once cooled. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon grease, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk, stirring gently.
  6. Sprinkle in 1 packet ranch seasoning mix and stir well to dissolve.
  7. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until cheeses melt smoothly and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  8. Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
  9. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine everything into a creamy, flavorful dish.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook chicken in bacon grease for extra flavor. Stir cheese slowly over moderate heat to avoid curdling. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe, ranch seasoning, bacon pasta, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner

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