Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Recipe By:
Laura Rollins

Posted:

Updated:

The aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with tender chicken and creamy ranch sauce is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings families together, ignites laughter, and leaves everyone fighting over the last bite. Picture this: you’re coming home after a long day, and the mere thought of this delightful pasta warms your heart, making you forget all about the chaos outside.

Remember those nights when dinner was a race against time, but you craved comfort food? This dish has been my go-to savior during those moments. It’s got everything – creamy, smoky, savory goodness that feels like home on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a get-together with friends, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta fits the bill perfectly. Get ready to dive into this flavor-packed adventure!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The explosion of flavors from the savory bacon and zesty ranch will have your taste buds dancing.
  • Visually appealing with its creamy sauce and colorful ingredients, this pasta will impress anyone at your dinner table.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust according to your crowd size.

  • Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch; who doesn’t love crispy bits in their pasta?

  • Pasta: Any pasta works here, but penne or rotini holds onto the sauce beautifully.

  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing adds the signature flavor; homemade or store-bought both work!

  • Fresh Spinach: It adds color and nutrition; plus, it wilts perfectly into the warm pasta.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan enhances the dish’s richness; sprinkle generously!

For the Sauce:

  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while adding moisture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Bacon

In the same skillet, add chopped bacon pieces and cook until crispy—around 5 minutes. Remove excess grease but leave about a tablespoon for flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Pour in ranch dressing and chicken broth while stirring everything together—let those flavors meld!

Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach

Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted—this should take just about two minutes!

Step 6: Serve it Up

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving! Transfer to plates and enjoy this hearty meal that’s bound to make everyone smile.

Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, relish every cheesy bite of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta while sharing stories around the dinner table—because good food brings us all together!

You Must Know

  • This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience!
  • With creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at any family gathering or dinner party.
  • Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then set it aside. Cook the pasta in the same pot while preparing the creamy ranch sauce for an efficient and flavorful result.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping out the chicken for shrimp or adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses for added flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive that creamy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always let your chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Use high-quality ranch dressing for maximum flavor.
  • Don’t skip seasoning your pasta water; it makes all the difference!

After making this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for my friends’ game night, they couldn’t stop raving about it! One even declared it “life-changing,” and I think I might just have to take that as my new cooking motto!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?

To make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, you will need cooked pasta, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. This combination of ingredients creates a creamy and savory dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?

Preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes cooking the pasta, sautéing the chicken and bacon, and mixing everything together with the creamy ranch sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal idea that fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time. To prepare it in advance, simply cook the pasta and mix it with the chicken, bacon, and sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is excellent for meal prep because it stores well and reheats nicely. Divide the pasta into individual portions and store them in containers. You can enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week as a quick lunch or dinner option that remains flavorful even after being refrigerated.

Conclusion for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta :

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing over pasta for a satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can personalize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance its flavor even more. Enjoy this hearty dish that everyone will love!

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing over pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a burst of flavor that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. With its savory ingredients and simple preparation, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a family favorite.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, season sliced chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side). Set aside.
  3. Fry the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy (about 5 minutes), then remove excess grease but leave about a tablespoon.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, ranch dressing, and chicken broth; stir well.
  5. Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes).
  6. Serve: Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1050mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or swapping chicken for shrimp. For enhanced flavor, consider using homemade ranch dressing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.

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