Description
A creamy and delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, slice or dice, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in pan.
- Melt butter in the bacon skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and ranch seasoning until combined. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
- Lower heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, and peas. Heat until everything is warm and fully coated. Season with additional salt & pepper if needed.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with green onions and fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy warm for a comforting dinner!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Veggie boost: Stir in broccoli florets or bell peppers.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
- Meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food