Satisfy your cravings with this delightful chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe! A perfect blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it combines simple ingredients for a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the details and whip up this delicious dish!
Ingredients
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 550 calories, 30g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein. These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble it.
3. In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in the ranch dressing and heavy cream, mixing well.
5. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
6. Mix in the cooked pasta until well coated with the sauce.
7. Add the crumbled bacon and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Reduce heat and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream for a healthier option. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner dish, and any pasta shape works well!
Serving and Pairings
This chicken bacon ranch pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a light soup.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. It can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy; aim for al dente.
- Not draining the pasta properly can dilute the sauce.
- Adding too much salt may overpower the dish; season gradually.
- Using low-quality bacon can affect the flavor; choose a good brand.
- Forgetting to garnish can make the dish look less appealing.
Helpful Tips
- Cook the bacon in the oven for even crispiness.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Experiment with different ranch flavors, like spicy or herb-infused.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
FAQs
Can I make chicken bacon ranch pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, then combine and heat just before serving. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
You can use homemade ranch dressing or a different creamy dressing, such as Caesar or blue cheese, for a unique flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for some heat.
Conclusion
This chicken bacon ranch pasta recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises a delicious experience that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble it.
- In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
- Stir in the ranch dressing and heavy cream, mixing well.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Mix in the cooked pasta until well coated with the sauce.
- Add the crumbled bacon and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Reduce heat and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
