Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I usually go with penne for this dish, but rotini or farfalle works too! If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free pasta that you love.

Chicken: Chicken breasts are great for this, but thighs can be juicier. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully—just shred it up and toss it in!

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you want a lighter version, turkey bacon can be a good alternative. You can also skip it for a vegetarian take and add more veggies instead.

Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning packs a punch! If you don’t have it, mix equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little buttermilk powder as a substitute.

Cheese: While cheddar is perfect, mixing in Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add extra flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste!

How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?

Making a creamy sauce can be tricky, but here are my tips:

• Cook the garlic only until fragrant—burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter!
• When adding the cream and milk, keep the heat on low to prevent curdling. Stir well and let it simmer gently.
• Adding cheese while the sauce simmers helps it melt smoothly. Stir constantly to avoid clumps.

Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk or cream as needed. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

For the Chicken and Bacon:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal option that delivers amazing flavor without taking too long!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed. Then, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic:

Lower the heat a bit and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix until everything is well combined. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly.

6. Add the Cheeses:

Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. Combine Chicken and Bacon:

Return the cooked chicken pieces and crumbled bacon back to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy sauce to coat everything well.

8. Mix in the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce, chicken, and bacon. Make sure everything is evenly combined!

9. Heat Through:

Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your delicious creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal!

Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great options, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary with different types!

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or almond milk mixed with a little cornstarch for thickness.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the dish! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a bit of milk if needed.