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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Whip up this incredibly easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for a guaranteed weeknight win that the whole family will love. It's a simple, satisfying dish that combines the beloved flavors of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a zesty ranch sauce into one creamy bowl of comfort. This recipe is your solution for a delicious meal when you're short on time but craving big flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 875
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1-ounce packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if needed)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Boil a large, salted pot of water and cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta is cooking, render the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
  3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the bacon grease over medium-high heat until they are golden and cooked through. Set aside with the bacon.
  4. Sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds until aromatic. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning packet. Let the sauce gently simmer until it starts to thicken.
  6. Take the skillet off the heat. Gradually mix in the shredded cheese, stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and melted.
  7. Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and half the bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with the rest of the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions.

Notes

Chef's Secret: For the silkiest, smoothest sauce, always grate your own cheese from a block and add it off the heat. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Also, don't forget to save some of that starchy pasta water—it's the perfect tool to thin your sauce to the ideal consistency without losing flavor.