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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in crispy bacon grease, tossed with al dente pasta and a rich ranch-seasoned cream cheese sauce. The combination of smoky bacon, savory ranch seasoning, and Parmesan cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Bacon

  • 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Toppings (optional)

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If the cream cheese isn’t softened, microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft to facilitate melting.
  2. Cook Bacon: Using kitchen shears, cut the bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
  3. Prepare Chicken: While bacon cooks, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper—using salt sparingly because the ranch seasoning and bacon add saltiness.
  4. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
  5. Make Sauce: Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or hot pasta water.
  6. Slice Chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into strips for easier serving and mixing with the pasta.
  7. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the ranch cream sauce. Stir in most of the crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish.
  8. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, top with sliced chicken, remaining bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use kitchen shears for easy bacon cutting.
  • Softening cream cheese beforehand speeds up sauce preparation.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding chicken broth or pasta water as needed.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds depth and extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe/