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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne, rotini, or any short pasta
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 6–8 strips of crispy bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream and milk, followed by the ranch seasoning. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduce the cheese. Add a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pasta, Chicken bacon ranch, Comfort food, Easy dinner, Family-friendly

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe-youll-love/