Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a decadent and satisfying dish that marries the flavors of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce. It’s a comfort food extravaganza that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just about great taste; it’s about the experience of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and a rich ranch-infused sauce over pasta creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s quick to prepare, can be made in one skillet, and is super customizable. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this dish will not disappoint!
Introduction
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a creamy pasta dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with zesty ranch seasoning. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. It’s an all-in-one meal that brings together protein, carbs, and flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation for its ease and delicious results!
Ready to dive into a creamy, savory delight? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, set over low heat, add the strips of bacon. Cook until they’re crisp and golden, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet but leave the drippings. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the bacon cools, slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thinner pieces to help them cook faster. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the seasoned chicken. Sear each piece for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cubing it.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the uncooked pasta—rotini works best for holding onto the creamy sauce—and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon and chicken, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute. Then, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly. Gradually add in the half and half, whisking to combine. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet, mixing well to ensure each piece is coated in that creamy ranch sauce. Then, add the cubed chicken and most of the bacon, reserving a handful for garnishing. Toss everything gently until well combined, ensuring each bite is rich with flavor. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining chopped bacon, and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Prep and Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out your meal. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea complements the dish perfectly!
Tips:
- Cheese Choice: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky Gouda for added flavor.
- Pasta Variations: You can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. Just ensure that it has a shape that can hold the sauce.
- Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and substituting some of the half and half with chicken broth.
- Add Veggies: Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added to increase the nutritional value and add more color to your dish.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 552 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 870mg
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious, creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta that’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve for special occasions. With the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and rich flavors, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch as it disappears in no time!
FAQs About This Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The assembled dish also reheats well for leftovers.
2. What can I use instead of half and half?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use milk combined with a little extra butter or a cream alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
4. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, omit the bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
5. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy; however, if you enjoy a kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for a bit of heat.
