Description
Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta! This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious, creamy ranch-infused sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup half and half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 ounce penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the bacon drippings and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half and half and chicken broth, cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the ranch seasoning, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until it’s evenly coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve it warm.
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients like fresh chicken, thick-cut bacon, and a good-quality ranch seasoning mix. You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and flavor.
When it comes to the pasta, you can use any shape you like, but penne or fusilli work particularly well in this dish. The key is to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb the creamy sauce as it bakes.
To make the sauce even more indulgent, you can substitute the half and half with heavy cream or a combination of milk and cream. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the sauce thickens properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg