🍝 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz (≈ 340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli)
- 1.5 lb (≈ 680 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 1½ cups milk or half-and-half
- 2–3 Tbsp ranch seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, shredded cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook chicken: In same skillet, cook seasoned chicken in bacon fat + olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: Sauté garlic briefly. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning.
- Combine: Return chicken, pasta, and half the bacon to the pan. Toss to coat. Stir in cheese if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, remaining bacon, and extra cheese. Serve hot.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for smoother sauce.
- Reserve pasta water helps thin and bind the sauce.
- Taste the sauce—ranch seasoning salt levels vary.
- Add extras like onion powder, paprika, or hot sauce for flavor depth.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with splash of milk.
📊 Nutrition Estimate (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 550–650 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 35–45 g |
| Total Fat | ~ 25–35 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~ 10–15 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 45–60 g |
| Fiber | ~ 2–4 g |
| Sodium | Varies (bacon & ranch mix) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different pasta? Yes — penne, rotini, fusilli, shells all work well.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes — just dice and add to the sauce to heat through.
- Is ranch seasoning necessary? It adds signature flavor, but you can sub garlic/herb blend in a pinch.
- Can I lighten this dish? Use light cream cheese, turkey bacon, and milk instead of half-and-half.
- Will the sauce thicken? Yes — especially as it cools. Add milk to loosen if needed.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Use a skillet over low heat with splash of milk; microwave works too.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, but pasta will absorb some sauce. Add extra milk when reheating.
- Can I freeze it? Not ideal — cream-based sauces may separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
- What cheese goes well? Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- What can I add for veggies? Try peas, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
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Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, savory dish your whole family will love! 🧀🥓🍗
