Imagine the rich aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a comforting Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
You’ll love the combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce that envelops tender penne pasta.
It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Pair it with garlic bread or a Caesar salad to enhance the flavors.
Curious about how to perfect this dish?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, you can follow this timeline which incorporates prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Gather all equipment: large pot, large skillet, colander, wooden spoon, measuring cup set, knife, and cutting board.
- Prepare all ingredients: cube the chicken breast, chop the bacon, measure out the heavy cream, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese, and set aside all seasonings.
- Cooking Pasta (15 minutes)
- Start by boiling water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, use this time to continue with the next steps.
- Cooking Chicken and Bacon (15 minutes)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside, then add the chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Preparing the Sauce (10 minutes)
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, keeping about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the bacon.
- Stir in heavy cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer over medium heat.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce (5 minutes)
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Let the pasta dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Recipe Instructions
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, then add chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy.
Drain excess fat from the skillet, keeping about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the bacon.
Stir in heavy cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Let the pasta dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that adds a crunchy texture and complements the creamy pasta sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A revitalizing side that balances the richness of the pasta with crisp lettuce and tangy dressing.
- Steamed Vegetables: A healthy option that provides a colorful and nutritious contrast to the decadent main dish.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple yet elegant side that enhances the meal with its earthy flavor.
- Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: A light and fresh choice that pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken bacon ranch pasta.
Storage
To store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, cool it completely.
Transfer to airtight containers and label with the date.
For best texture, avoid freezing for more than three months.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, use a skillet on low heat.
Add a splash of cream or milk to maintain moisture.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing with creamy pasta.
It’s a versatile meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
Remember, the key to a perfect pasta dish is balancing the flavors and ensuring the pasta is cooked to the right texture.
You can customize this recipe by experimenting with different types of cheese or adding a bit of heat with red pepper flakes.
Don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Enjoy the delicious flavors and the convenience of a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use gluten-free pasta! It’ll still soak up the creamy, savory flavors beautifully. Just make certain it’s cooked al dente to maintain texture. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the delightful blend of rich, cheesy goodness!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter texture or use a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a creamy result. Coconut milk offers a unique twist, adding a hint of sweetness.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
You can create a vegetarian version by swapping chicken and bacon for mushrooms and zucchini. Use plant-based cream and ranch dressing for a creamy, savory flavor. Add smoked paprika for depth, ensuring it remains deliciously satisfying.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Swap the heavy cream and cheddar with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy taste. Use dairy-free ranch dressing. You’ll still enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors without dairy weighing it down!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prepare this dish in advance by cooking the components separately and storing them. When ready to serve, combine and gently reheat. This method keeps flavors vibrant, ensuring each bite bursts with creamy, savory delight.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast cubed
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, then add chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, keeping about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the bacon.
- Stir in heavy cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Let the pasta dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
