Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

 

Sure! I’ll provide a comprehensive recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, detailed enough to cover everything from preparation to cooking steps. Let’s break it down into different sections for clarity, including the ingredients, tools you'll need, step-by-step instructions, tips for customizing, and some serving suggestions.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce. It’s an all-in-one meal that satisfies both pasta lovers and those who enjoy bold, savory flavors. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish comes together with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Plus, it can be made in under an hour!

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or your preferred pasta)

• Salt (for seasoning pasta water)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 lb or 450g)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)

For the Bacon:

• 6 slices of bacon (or more for extra crispy bacon)

For the Ranch Sauce:

• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a creamy texture)

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to help thicken the sauce)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/2 tsp dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Garnishes:

• Crumbled extra bacon

• Freshly chopped parsley

• Red pepper flakes (for some heat)

• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

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Tools You Will Need:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Skillet or frying pan (for cooking chicken and bacon)

• Whisk (for stirring sauce)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Cutting board and knife

• Large mixing bowl (for pasta, chicken, and sauce assembly)

• Strainer (for draining pasta)

• Tongs or slotted spoon

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).

2. Drain the pasta and set aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later if needed to thin the sauce.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Place the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, flipping occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This will take about 7-10 minutes.

2. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

3. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces. Set aside for later.

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Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using) on both sides.

2. In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 4: Make the Ranch Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a roux (paste).

2. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken.

3. Once thickened, stir in the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet or a large mixing bowl. If you used a skillet for the bacon and chicken, you can use the same skillet to combine everything.

2. Pour the ranch sauce over the pasta and toss until everything is well coated.

3. Add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently toss to combine.

4. If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit more pasta water or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired level of creaminess.

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Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish the pasta with additional crumbled bacon, fresh chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!

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Tips and Variations

Make It Spicy:

• Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch sauce to give your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta some heat. You could even try adding diced jalapeños or chili peppers for a more robust flavor.

Use Rotisserie Chicken:

• If you’re short on time, you can skip cooking the chicken from scratch and use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it into the pasta with the sauce for an even quicker dish.

Try Different Cheeses:

• While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for the sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese to give your sauce a unique twist.

Vegetable Add-ins:

• For added nutrition, you can throw in some sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them in the same skillet after you cook the chicken and before making the sauce.

Lighten Up the Dish:

• If you’re looking to reduce the calories or fat content, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to cut down on fat.

Make It Gluten-Free:

• Substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety (there are plenty of good options available) and make sure to use gluten-free flour in the sauce. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

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Serving Suggestions

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with various sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks: The rich, creamy sauce goes wonderfully with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread.

• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would be great alongside this dish.

• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: For an extra punch of flavor, roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers make a fantastic accompaniment.

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Storing and Reheating

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta makes for excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

1. Storing: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

2. Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or pasta water to loosen up the sauce if needed.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding your family on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With options to customize the flavors and ingredients, you can adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Enjoy!