There is not any dish that can rival a hot bowl of Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta as far as comfort food is concerned. It is an opulent, cheesy meal that combines fragile chicken, biting bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce. It is warm and comforting, and it is just right to all those who enjoy the bold yet familiar tastes that are all in one pan.
This meal is now a favorite due to its perceived fanciness, which is easy to prepare. It is as tasting like a restaurant meal but can be cooked in your home even on a busy weeknight. The pasta not only keeps you warm and hungry but it is easy to cook whether it is to serve family and guests or even yourself.
Here, we shall discuss why Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is so good, when to serve it and how to prepare this dish using a simple and sure recipe at home.
Introduction:
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an enriched meal of cooked pasta combined with a creamy sauce with ranch seasoning. It usually has:
- Large and tender chicken breasts.
- Crispy smoky crunchy bacon.
- Creamy sauce that is made of cream, cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Pasta that can contain a lot of sauce such as penne or fettuccine.
The ranch seasoning provides a herb-like flavor that is very tangy and makes this dish a difference to the usual creamy pastas. It is a savory, complete meal, and it is also comforting along with bacon and chicken.
The Reason Behind the Popularity of This Dish:
This dish is very popular among people due to numerous reasons, in particular, the ease of changing it and its powerful tastes.
- Cozying and nourishing Creamy sauces and pasta never fail.
- Child friendly: The tastes suit children and adults.
- Customizable: Add spice, more cheese, or vegetables.
- Nobody loves leftovers: Warm and delicious.
- The recipe is soon an order of the day.
When to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
It is suitable in numerous events including:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Comfort food cravings
- Cozy weekend lunches
Due to the fact that it is substantial, it makes a main meal, and you can in addition serve a light meal, such as salad or garlic bread.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12oz pasta (penne, rotini, fettuccine)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Chicken and Bacon
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite sized.
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and cut.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
- 1 package (or 2 tablespoons) ranch seasoning mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Extra bacon bits
- Grated cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Set a large pot of water on the burner with a pinch of salt in it. Put in the pasta and cook until the pasta is still firm to the bite approximately the time indicated on the package. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Preheat a large skillet with medium heat. Add bacon and cook until it is crispy. Unpack it and place it on paper towels to dry. Upon cooling chop it into tiny portions. Put it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Clean the skillet, and put in the tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the chicken with pepper, paprika, garlic powder and salt. Bake in medium until it becomes golden and ready. Take the chicken out and place aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat and put in the butter. At melting point, put minced garlic and cook one minute until it smells. Add the cream and milk and stir. Add ranch seasoning, cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and mix until all the items are covered in sauce. Simmer until 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to fuse.
Step 6: Serve
Taste it and put more salt or pepper. Add parsley, additional cheese or little bacon bits. Serve the pasta hot.
Recommendations to the Best Creamy Pasta:
- Do not cook pasta too long, al dente prevents the escape of the sauce.
- Fresh bacon is preferred because of the best texture and taste.
- Heat it low to ensure that the sauce does not curdle.
- When the sauce is thick, put a splash of pasta water in it to loosen it.
Easy Variations:
- To spice it, you may use red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- In the case of vegetables, add spinach, mushrooms or broccoli.
- Add more cheese, cream cheese or parmesan.
- To make it lighter, half-and-half may be used in place of heavy cream.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a dish which is warm to the heart. It is rich and highly satisfying with the combination of tender chicken and smoky bacon and creamy ranch sauce. The preparation can be done easily on a hectic night, and it is good to serve a guest.
In case you want a tasty and reliable pasta that never fails, it is a recipe that should be in your kitchen.
Happy Cooking!