Chicken bacon ranch pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat Pan: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
2. Reserve Bacon Fat: Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Cook Chicken: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add olive oil if needed. Cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
5. Add Ranch Seasoning: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix until fully incorporated.
6. Add Cheese: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add Chicken and Bacon: Gently fold in the cooked chicken and bacon pieces until well combined.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Pasta: Transfer the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta to serving plates.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.
• Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the joy of making a homemade meal!

Key Takeaway

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with a creamy, tangy ranch sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients and spices, making it a perfect go-to meal for any occasion.