Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A hearty dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add the fettuccine (or penne) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cooking the Bacon
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
Adding Garlic and Making the Sauce
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the ranch seasoning mix and cheddar cheese, Stir until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Divide among serving plates and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook with the sauce. For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.