Chicken bacon ranch pasta

The ingredients for this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta are penne pasta, crunchy bacon, and juicy chicken pieces, all of which are combined with a tasty ranch cream sauce. The forty minutes are up.

Is there a more iconic trio than chicken, bacon, and Ranch? The creamy richness of Ranch, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the Savory succulence of chicken… it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

And now, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta transforms that classic trio into a simple, hearty, and incredibly tasty pasta dinner. Crafted with the pasta shape of your preference, it combines crumbled bacon, chicken, cream, broth, and a dash of Ranch seasoning. With just 10 minutes of prep time, it’s on the table in about 40 minutes.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make use of any leftover cooked chicken you might have. For the perfect meal, we enjoy serving it alongside Air Fryer Broccoli and a side of Garlic Bread.

Pro Tips

• You can substitute heavy cream for half and half if desired.
• For better melting and flavor, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. I recommend Cracker Barrel Sharp Yellow Cheese for this recipe.
• Using thick-cut bacon will yield more drippings to cook the chicken in.
• Leftover chicken can easily be incorporated into this dish.
• Any kind of pasta can be used, but I prefer Rotini because it holds the sauce nicely. Penne, Bowtie, Cavatappi, or Cellentani are great alternatives.
• You can swap the chicken for sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Tools For This Recipe

(Amazon affiliate links)

• 14-inch oven-safe nonstick pan
• 9 x 13-inch casserole dish
• Silicone Spatula
• Kitchen Tongs

Chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe video:

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
2. 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, are boneless and skinless
3. 6 slices of bacon, chopped
4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/2 cup broccoli florets
6. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
7. 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
8. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2. 1/4 cup sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
4. 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
5. 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
6. Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a sizable pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches a pleasantly firm texture, following the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

In a big skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chicken pieces until they’re cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Bacon, and Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the pasta mixture. Till everything is thoroughly covered, gently toss.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve Warm or Chilled

This dish can be enjoyed warm right after preparation, or you can refrigerate it for a couple of hours to serve it chilled.

Step 8: Optional Tips

Customize with your favorite veggies or add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, Savory delight that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Nnutrition information:

Chicken bacon ranch pasta health benefits:

1. Protein-Packed: This dish offers a substantial amount of protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Balanced Macronutrients: It combines carbohydrates from pasta, protein from chicken, and fats from bacon and the creamy sauce for a well-rounded meal.
3. Nutrient-Dense Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and red onion add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
4. Calcium and Vitamin D: Cheddar cheese provides calcium for bone health and vitamin D to help with calcium absorption.
5. Heart Health: Olive oil contributes healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
6. Antioxidants: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
7. Digestive Health: The fiber from broccoli and pasta aids in digestion.
8. Skin Health: Tomatoes and herbs provide vitamins that benefit the skin.
9. Immune Boosting: Garlic is well-known for its ability to boost the immune system.
10. Energy Boosting: Carbohydrates from pasta give a quick energy boost.

Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the bacon might lose some of its crispiness.
2. Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Reheat and Reuse Instructions

Reheating:

1. Stovetop: Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
2. Microwave: Put pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s fully warmed.

Reuse Ideas:

1. Cheesy Pasta Bake: Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
2. Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad: Serve the cold pasta over a bed of fresh greens for a hearty salad.
3. Soup Addition: Add the leftover pasta to a pot of chicken broth along with some fresh vegetables for a comforting soup

Remember, individual nutritional needs may vary, so it’s always good to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice. Enjoy your Creamy Ranch Chicken Bacon Pasta.

FAQ’s

Variations

• Make it spicy:

If you’re in the mood for a spicy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even your favorite hot sauce.

• Add veggies:

Boost the nutritional value and add extra texture by tossing in your preferred vegetables. You can cook them right in the skillet with the onion. Think diced bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli florets, green beans, peas, spinach, and more.

• Make it cheesy:

Elevate the dish with some cheese! Blend in your favorite variety into the pasta OR transform it into a cheesy pasta casserole. For the casserole, follow the instructions as usual, then transfer everything into a baking dish. Sprinkle with your preferred shredded cheese (cheddar is a delectable choice), then broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted.

Suggestions for Serving

While this Chicken Bacon Ranch pasta is delicious on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with an array of side dishes.

opt for a refreshing salad, or if you have a bit more time, consider serving it alongside a medley of Roasted Veggies, Garlic Bread or Breadsticks, or perhaps some delectable Honey Glazed Carrots.

You may also like…

1. Vegan Sundried Tomato Pasta
2. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
3. Tomato salad
4. Creamy mushroom gnocchi
5. Garlic spaghetti