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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavor: Creamy ranch sauce pairs perfectly with savory chicken and crisp bacon.
- Simple ingredients: Everyday staples come together for a restaurant-quality meal.
- Quick to make: Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family favorite: Even picky eaters will love this irresistible flavor combo.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or shredded rotisserie)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the bacon and chicken:
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan. Add chicken and cook until golden brown (if not already cooked). - Make the creamy ranch sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning, whisking until smooth. - Add cheese:
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. - Combine everything:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through. - Serve and enjoy:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
- Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for balance.
💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly al dente pasta holds up best in creamy sauces.
- Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a kick.
- Make it extra cheesy: Top with mozzarella and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
🌟 Variations
- Spicy Ranch Pasta: Add buffalo sauce or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Loaded Version: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- One-Pot Method: Cook everything in one pan for faster prep and fewer dishes.
🥰 Final Thoughts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate trifecta of flavor — creamy, cheesy, and savory with just the right hint of ranch tang. It’s rich without being too heavy, indulgent without being complicated, and always satisfying.
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