© Original recipe by Savor & Snap ©
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for Cozy Comfort Dinners 🍝🥓✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving an indulgent and satisfying comfort food pasta, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, flavorful ranch sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners and feeding the family. It’s easy to make and packs a flavorful punch that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe has a delightful combination of ingredients and textures that elevate a simple pasta into a memorable meal. For more pasta inspiration, check out our Creamy Parmesan Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Skillet.
2. Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini works great)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup of ranch dressing (preferably homemade or a good-quality store brand)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Preparing the Pasta and Ingredients
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, prepare your ingredients and keep everything within reach.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cooking the Bacon
While the chicken cooks, crisp up the bacon slices in a separate pan or oven. Once crispy, crumble the bacon and set aside. This adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor to your dish.
Making the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the ranch dressing, milk or heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combining Everything
Add the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and drained pasta to the skillet with the ranch sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Serving the Comfort Food Pasta
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh for ultimate flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, sprinkle a little milk or cream on the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Note: The texture might change slightly after reheating, but it will still taste delicious.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This comfort food pasta pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing or add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Looking to switch up the protein? Shrimp or turkey bacon can be excellent alternatives.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute the ranch dressing with something else?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs, a creamy Caesar dressing, or even a simple Alfredo sauce. Each variation offers a slightly different taste profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
This recipe is carbohydrate-rich due to the pasta, but you can opt for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to make it low-carb.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the dish just before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quickly crisping bacon or reheating leftovers with ease, saving you time and maintaining flavor.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures nonstick, even heating for your skillet, making cooking the chicken and sauce a breeze.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – An all-in-one appliance ideal for preparing crispy bacon or grilled chicken to elevate your pasta dish.
- Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker – While optional, serve a coffee alongside this pasta for a cozy dinner experience.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer – Useful if you want to prepare homemade pasta or mix other ingredients with ease.
8. Final thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food pasta that combines rich flavors and hearty textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s easy to prepare and guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or substitutions to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy creating this delicious, satisfying dish that will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this cozy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is a wonderful way to indulge in rich, creamy flavors that will comfort and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises to be a hit. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade comfort food pasta!
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for Cozy Comfort Dinners
A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch sauce, perfect for comforting dinner nights.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked chicken to warm through.
- Add garlic powder and cook for 1 minute, then stir in ranch dressing and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, then fold in crumbled bacon.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for variety.
- Use your preferred type of cheese for added flavor.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg