Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta promises a delightful culinary journey through comfort food heaven. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and zesty ranch dressing meld together in this irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
Pasta and Base:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat for pasta cooking.
- While water heats, slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble when cooled.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté chicken cubes until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Cook pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Whisk ranch dressing and sour cream together in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and fold in the creamy ranch mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Gently incorporate cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and blend with the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, flavorful profile.
- Reduce bacon amount or use turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat alternative without compromising taste.
- Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish, making it slightly more health-conscious.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure everything is ready when needed, preventing potential burning or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 790
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg