Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort and zest in one skillet, blending hearty ingredients with bold ranch seasoning. Crispy bacon and tender chicken mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups heavy cream
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until golden and fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet, whisking ranch seasoning mix until fully incorporated and sauce begins to slightly thicken.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into sauce, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth consistency.
- If sauce appears too dense, gently thin with milk, maintaining a creamy texture.
- Fold cooked chicken pieces and crispy bacon crumbles into sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Add drained pasta to skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Season mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
- Transfer pasta to serving dish, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta maintains perfect texture.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s rich flavor profile.
- Reduce the amount of butter and cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt and light cream, for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to create a more diverse meal that caters to different preferences and dietary needs.
- Enhance the nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to increase fiber and vitamin content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg