Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy, savory pasta dish loaded with chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta rotini or penne
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels. Crumble and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix. Let it heat gently, then add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with remaining bacon and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.