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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta- Insanely Good featured image showcases the delicious dish, tempting readers to try the recipe.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe delivers an insanely good comfort food experience. It balances creamy richness with tangy ranch flavor, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Stir in the ranch dressing and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  8. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled bacon and extra parsley.

Notes

For best results, use a high-quality ranch dressing. Reserve pasta water and add gradually to adjust sauce consistency. Serve immediately as the sauce will thicken as it sits. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.