Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Chicken bacon ranch pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table.Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts Diced
- 6 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces Pasta Penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing Store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated (for serving)
Optional
- 1 cup Vegetables Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach (for added nutrition)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Prepare the Chicken
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking for enhanced flavor.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the ranch dressing and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Combine Ingredients
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
- Add the crumbled bacon and any optional vegetables, mixing until heated through.