Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this chicken bacon ranch pasta! It’s a delightful combination of creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, all tangled up with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl! This dish has quickly become a favorite in my house, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! In just about 35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that feels like a special treat, yet is perfect for a busy weeknight. You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand; it’s that good!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your chicken bacon ranch pasta. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to put this dish together!
- 8 oz penne pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce perfectly and gives you that delightful bite.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Make sure it’s fresh for the juiciest results!
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a crispy, salty punch that makes everything better.
- 1 cup ranch dressing: This is where the magic happens—creamy, tangy goodness!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: They add a fresh crunch and a burst of color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! It really brings all the flavors together.
How to Prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chicken bacon ranch pasta! I promise, it’s a breeze and totally worth every step.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook your penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 4 to 6 quarts should do). Once it’s bubbling, toss in your 8 ounces of penne and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Make sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of that pasta water; it can help loosen up the dish later if needed!
Cooking the Chicken
Now, let’s get to the chicken! In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced 1 pound of chicken breast and cook it until it’s golden and cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. Trust me, the key is to not overcrowd the skillet; you want that beautiful sear! I like to season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks to really enhance the flavor. Once it’s cooked, let it rest for a minute before moving on.
Combining Ingredients
It’s time for the fun part—combining everything! In that same skillet with the chicken, add in the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of ranch dressing. Wow, the smell is heavenly! Stir it all together until the chicken is coated in that creamy goodness. Now, gently mix in your cooked penne pasta, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. Give it a good toss until everything is coated and the cheese starts to melt. If it seems a bit thick, just splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency!
Final Seasoning and Serving
Now, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. I like to give it a final stir to ensure everything is perfectly blended. Serve your chicken bacon ranch pasta warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra green onions on top for a pop of color. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese if you want to impress your family or friends. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This chicken bacon ranch pasta packs a punch with its delicious flavors while still keeping things balanced. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, has approximately 450 calories. You’ll also be getting around 20 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. These values are estimates, of course, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. So, go ahead and savor every creamy, cheesy bite without guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this chicken bacon ranch pasta is a total game-changer! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a comforting meal on the table in no time! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible! Every bite is packed with that savory goodness that makes you want to go back for seconds.
- Versatile Dish: One of the best parts? You can easily customize it! Throw in some broccoli or bell peppers for a veggie boost, or swap out chicken for turkey if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your chicken bacon ranch pasta turns out perfectly? Here are my top tips to avoid any mishaps and ensure deliciousness every time!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the penne, and taste it a minute or two before the package says it’s done. You want it al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Season as You Go: Seasoning the chicken while it cooks really boosts the flavor, so don’t skip this step! Also, taste the dish before serving—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference.
- Use Quality Ranch Dressing: Since ranch dressing is a star player in this dish, go for a brand you love or even make your own if you’re feeling crafty! It makes a noticeable difference.
- Mix Gently: When combining everything, stir gently to coat without breaking up the pasta or chicken too much. You want to keep those lovely textures intact!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your chicken bacon ranch pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or a little extra ranch dressing to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good the next day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this chicken bacon ranch pasta? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my go-to, you can swap it for rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! This chicken bacon ranch pasta is a hit with kids. The creamy ranch and crispy bacon are usually big winners. You can even involve the kiddos in the kitchen for some fun cooking time!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve. It might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld!
How can I make it healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat ranch dressing, or add more veggies like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve with it?
This pasta dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables. They complement the flavors beautifully!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious pasta dish combining chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the diced chicken until fully cooked.
- Add the crumbled bacon and ranch dressing to the chicken.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta