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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
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Creamy and flavorful Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a ranch-infused cheese sauce tossed with your favorite short pasta for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped into small strips

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the bacon into small strips for even cooking.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Using the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the Cheese Ranch Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the chicken. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Bacon: Toss the cooked pasta and crispy bacon into the skillet with the cheese sauce and chicken. Mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until just opaque and no longer pink to keep it tender.
  • Use good-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent thinning the sauce.
  • Melt cheese on low heat to avoid grainy or separating sauce.
  • Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels to keep it crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, bacon ranch chicken, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-bacon-ranch-chicken-pasta/