Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ah, my friend, let me take you on a delicious journey! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a dish I’ve come to adore, and for good reason. Picture this: a warm, comforting bowl of cheesy goodness, just waiting to melt away the stresses of the day. I stumbled onto this recipe a few years ago during a casual Sunday dinner with family, and it quickly became a staple in our household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now, why should you whip up this dish tonight? First of all, it’s downright comforting. The blend of chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing creates this luscious, savory medley that dances on your taste buds. Not to mention, it’s a one-stop meal—protein, carbs, and flavor all wrapped into one hearty serving! Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes with little fuss. The beauty of this recipe is that you can throw it together without needing to slay a dragon in the kitchen, or even break a sweat! It’s truly the epitome of “easy, peasy, lemon squeezy,” and it never fails to impress.

Gather These Ingredients

For this mouth-watering wonder, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes are ideal; they cradle the rich sauce like a loving embrace. If you want a gluten-free version, you can easily swap out for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced: Leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm—just shred it and you’re good to go! No fuss, no boiling; just savor those time-saving vibes.

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Ah, the glorious bacon! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try using turkey bacon for a lighter touch. Honestly, who can resist crispy bacon?

• 1 cup ranch dressing: The creamy hero of the dish! If ranch isn’t your jam, a homemade version or even a yogurt-based dressing could shake things up.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Make it sharp if you’re feeling bold. This isn’t just for a cheesy finish; it brings richness that takes this dish to the next level.

• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: A fresh note that cuts through the richness. You can also sub with chives or even some diced peppers for a pop of color and crunch.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Classic seasoning, but oh-so-important! Adjust based on your personal preference, as every tongue is unique.

Preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Now, let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water—just in case!

2. Combine the ingredients: Grab a large mixing bowl. Toss in the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Stir it all together like you mean it, ensuring every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness.

3. Add cheese and green onions: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the vibrant green onions. This step is vital because the warmth from the pasta will melt that cheese into a gooey delight!

4. Season to your taste: Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust if necessary—trust your instincts here!

5. Serve and enjoy: Dish up the pasta while it’s warm and gooey. It’s the kind of meal that begs to be devoured immediately!

Best Way to Enjoy It

To take this dish over the moon, consider plating it with a sprinkling of extra cheddar on top and perhaps a few more green onions for that extra flair. If you want to get fancy, a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad would complement the meal brilliantly. Wine lovers might lean towards a light-bodied white, like a Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the richness.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Got leftovers? No problem! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about three days. If you fancy freezing some portions, go ahead! Just be sure to let it cool before sealing and freezing. When you’re ready to dive back in, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here’s where I share some golden nuggets from my own kitchen trials:

• If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken is your best friend. A quicker prep means you can dive straight into the comforting goodness sooner!

• Consider crisping the bacon in the oven. It’s less messy and gives you perfectly even, crunchy pieces.

• Don’t skip on tasting during the cooking process. Making adjustments as you go ensures it’s all dialed in to your liking!

Creative Twists

Feeling a little daring? Here are some easy variations to shake things up:

• Swap the ranch dressing for buffalo sauce to add a fiery kick. Oh, hello, spicy chicken bacon ranch pasta!

• For a veggie boost, throw in some spinach or broccoli. They’ll add a splash of color and nutrition.

• Craving something different? Try using a pesto dressing instead of ranch. It’ll give the dish a fresh and zesty flavor profile that’s irresistible.

Ingredients List

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to Follow

1. Cook the pasta per package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing.
3. Stir in the cheddar cheese and green onions.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Common Questions

1. What’s the prep time? Prep can take about 10 minutes, with cooking time around 15-20 minutes!

2. Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Any similar pasta shape will work.

3. Is this suitable for meal prep? Yes! Perfect for making ahead for busy weeknights.

4. Can I make it vegetarian? Sure! Just substitute the chicken and bacon with your favorite plant-based proteins and use a vegetarian ranch.

5. How do I make it creamy without ranch? Try using a creamy Alfredo sauce or a homemade yogurt dressing instead!

I hope you feel inspired to give this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta a whirl in your kitchen! It’s such a delightful dish that beckons for creativity and personal touches. I’m confident that once you try it, it’ll earn a cherished spot in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to share your creations and tweaks with me—let’s keep building this wonderful cooking community together!

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy High Protein Kids Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A warm, cheesy dish featuring chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) (Gluten-free pasta can be used.)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (Leftover rotisserie chicken works well.)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Turkey bacon can be substituted.)
• 1 cup ranch dressing (A homemade version can also be used.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar is recommended for more flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup green onions, chopped (Chives or diced peppers can be used instead.)
• Salt and pepper (To taste.)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine the ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly.
   Mark as complete

3. Add cheese and green onions

   Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions, allowing the warmth of the pasta to melt the cheese.
   Mark as complete

4. Season to taste

   Add salt and pepper, tasting to adjust seasoning as needed.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve and enjoy

   Dish up while warm and serve immediately.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 400mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 20 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with extra cheese and green onions on top for added flavor.

Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, pasta, comfort food, quick meal