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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory one-pot dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch cheese sauce with your favorite pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers comforting, family-friendly flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips of bacon

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or penne

Dairy & Sauces

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon strips and set them on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble them once cool.
  2. Prepare the chicken: In the same skillet, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, then cook over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and slice or cube the chicken.
  3. Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  4. Make the creamy ranch sauce: In the skillet, reduce heat to low and add heavy cream along with ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well combined and warm.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cooked pasta, and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
  6. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for an inviting presentation. Serve immediately while warm and gooey!

Notes

  • Cook bacon first to ensure crispiness and reserve flavorful fat for cooking chicken.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm as it will soften further in the sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for smooth melting and rich flavor.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen without diluting flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, bacon ranch pasta, one pot pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe, family friendly pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cheesy-bacon-ranch-chicken-pasta/