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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A cozy, creamy dish that combines the magic of chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Cook until crispy for maximum flavor.
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or low-fat milk for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions (optional garnish) Adds a pop of color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, salting the water as you do. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  4. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and bacon, stirring well.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Consider adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color.