Indulge in Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta for Dinner Tonight!

Get ready to indulge in a heavenly blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, flavorful sauce in this mouthwatering Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta recipe. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this pasta dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

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Indulge in the Creamy Bacon Ranch Goodness

What makes this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy goodness that comes together in every bite. The juicy chicken and crispy bacon are coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with ranch seasoning, half-and-half, and shredded cheddar cheese. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delectable.

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

Not only is this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, yet impressive enough to serve the whole family.

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta

Start by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the bacon drippings and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Add the Flavors

Stir in the ranch seasoning, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve it warm. Savor every bite of this irresistible dish!

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne is a classic choice, you can use any short, sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, cavatappi, or fusilli. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce.

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Be sure to cook the chicken until it’s completely cooked through and no longer pink in the center. This will ensure a tender and juicy texture in the final dish.

Getting the Sauce Consistency Right

The key to a creamy, velvety sauce is to cook the roux (flour and bacon drippings) until it’s lightly golden, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half and broth. This will help the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a hearty, protein-packed dish. Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, with 40g of protein, 50g of carbohydrates, and 30g of fat. It’s a great option for those looking for a balanced and satisfying meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Bacon and Mushroom Alfredo
• Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make a creamy sauce for chicken and bacon pasta?

To make a creamy sauce for this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta, you’ll start by making a roux with the bacon drippings and flour. Then, you’ll gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, allowing the sauce to thicken. Finally, you’ll stir in the ranch seasoning, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce.

What sides go with chicken bacon ranch pasta?

This Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a hearty and satisfying main dish, so it pairs well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The creamy, savory flavors also complement well with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad.

What cheese goes with chicken bacon ranch?

Cheddar cheese is the perfect match for the flavors in this Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta. The sharp, tangy notes of the cheddar complement the richness of the cream sauce and the salty bacon. You can also experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan.

How to make bacon creamy pasta?

To make a bacon-infused creamy pasta, start by cooking chopped bacon until crisp. Reserve the bacon drippings in the pan, then use them to make a roux by whisking in flour. Gradually add in half-and-half or heavy cream, along with chicken broth, to create a rich and creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked bacon, your choice of pasta, and any other desired seasonings or ingredients.

Savor the Creamy Bacon Ranch Goodness

Get ready to indulge in a delightfully creamy, bacon-infused pasta dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of comforting flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and get ready to enjoy every bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

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