Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A comforting and crowd-pleasing dish featuring creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) Holds sauce beautifully.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver.
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped For crunchy, smoky depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped Adds sweet savoriness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced The aroma that brings everything home.
- 1 cup chicken broth Builds a silky sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Use Greek yogurt thinned with milk for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing The flavor anchor (use dairy-free for a different twist).
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella Melty and comforting.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Sharp, savory finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley For brightness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup peas or steamed broccoli florets (optional) For a pop of color and a touch of green.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Crisping Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
Sautéing Aromatics
- Add olive oil or butter to the bacon fat, then sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Building the Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring until silky and smooth. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Adding Cheese and Chicken
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and glossy. Fold in the cooked chicken and the crispy bacon (reserve a little bacon for topping). If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your ideal creaminess.
Combining with Pasta
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating every piece. Sprinkle in parsley, season with salt and pepper, and adjust to taste.
Serving Hot
- Plate generous scoops, garnish with remaining bacon and extra Parmesan. Enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. This dish is versatile; try swapping ingredients for lighter or vegetarian options.