Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing in a comforting pasta meal. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of convenience and satisfaction that has made it a favorite in many households. The combination of creamy sauce and savory ingredients creates a texture that is both indulgent and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Originating from the classic American comfort food tradition, this dish has evolved into a beloved staple that resonates with families across the country. People love Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for its simplicity and the way it effortlessly brings everyone together around the dinner table. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, while the bacon adds a delightful crunch, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Cooking the Chicken and Bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the leftover bacon grease.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the ranch seasoning mix. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- If you want to add some color and nutrition, toss in the frozen peas at this stage and let them cook in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
Combining Everything
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Next, add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the pasta. Gently fold everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the pasta.
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through.
Tips for Success
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
- Feel free
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, then this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an absolute must-try! The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crispy bacon, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delicious pasta with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to soak up that luscious sauce. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to add a bit of color and nutrition, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach right before serving. The vibrant greens will not only enhance the dish visually but also add a healthy twist to your meal.
Feel free to get creative with variations! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your pasta a kick. The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is its versatility; you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you make your own unique variations? Share your thoughts and any tips you might have in the comments below. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also inspires others in our cooking community to try this fantastic dish.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a bowl of creamy goodness that will surely become a staple in your household. Trust me, once you taste this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and penne pasta in a rich ranch-flavored cream sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner and sure to delight the entire family!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the leftover bacon grease.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the ranch seasoning mix. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- If you want to add some color and nutrition, toss in the frozen peas at this stage and let them cook in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Next, add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the pasta. Gently fold everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the pasta.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and flavor.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
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