This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy and tasty dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a punch of ranch flavor. It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for any night!
You can’t go wrong with the combo of chicken and bacon! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness. It’s a quick meal that everyone will be happy to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its curves that hold onto the sauce perfectly. Other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne also work great. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta for a similar texture.
Chicken: Use any cooked chicken you have—grilled, shredded rotisserie, or even leftovers from another meal. If you’re in a pinch, canned chicken or turkey can be a quick substitute.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a great crunch. If you prefer turkey bacon, that’s a fantastic lower-fat option. Or, for a vegetarian twist, consider using crispy chickpeas or skip it altogether.
Ranch Dressing: Traditional ranch dressing brings out great flavor. If you want to make it lighter, swap with a homemade version using Greek yogurt, or use a dairy-free ranch dressing for vegan options.
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Both add creaminess to the dish. You can mix in Greek yogurt or even ricotta as a lighter option. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or a cashew-based cream.
How Do You Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pasta correctly sets the foundation for this dish. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Here are tips to help:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Check the package for cooking time, but start tasting a minute before the recommended time.
- Once done, drain the pasta but don’t rinse; you want to keep some of the starch for the sauce.
Following these tips will ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all that delicious ranch sauce! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or penne)
For the Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 6 strips bacon
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Seasoning:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and bacon, followed by 15 minutes combining everything together, and a few more minutes to garnish before serving. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but firm). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember not to rinse it since the starch helps the sauce stick later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While your pasta is cooking, take a skillet and cook the strips of bacon over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. After it cools, crumble or chop it into smaller pieces.
3. Warm the Chicken:
Using the same skillet where the bacon was cooked, add the cooked chicken slices. This step is optional but will let the chicken soak up some of that delicious bacon flavor. Just warm the chicken through for a minute or two.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream (or cream cheese if you’re using it), minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and some salt and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they create a smooth sauce.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta, warmed chicken, and most of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with your creamy ranch mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the pasta and chicken are well coated in that creamy goodness.
6. Serve Up:
Transfer the delicious pasta mixture to a serving bowl or dish. Don’t forget to save a bit of bacon for garnishing on top!
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish for a beautiful finish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve this tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm and watch as everyone digs in! It’s a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and is sure to please.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta.
How Can I Make This Dish Creamier?
If you want an extra creamy texture, you can add more sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce. Another option is to include a bit of heavy cream or a splash of milk to achieve your desired creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For more flavor, consider adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach. You can also enhance the ranch flavor by adding some ranch seasoning mix to the sauce!
