Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta? Yes, please! That creamy, savory goodness is always a hit. Here’s a tasty recipe for you:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 6 slices bacon (crispy)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or whatever you like)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or about 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or more if you like it cheesy)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ranch seasoning mix.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden crust. Remove from the pan and set aside. Once cooled slightly, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp up the bacon:
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and crumble it up into pieces. Set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same pan, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any bacon or chicken bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine everything:
- Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and crumbled bacon into the sauce, making sure everything is well coated.
- Serve:
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
This dish is super comforting and packed with flavor. You can even add a side of garlic bread or a green salad to round out the meal!
Do you prefer any veggies in your pasta, like spinach or tomatoes, or do you keep it simple with the chicken, bacon, and ranch?