Create a rich and comforting Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. This easy recipe brings familiar, creamy flavors together for a perfect family dinner.
Author:Hannah Rodger
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken pieces well with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until fully done and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the ranch dressing until fully combined.
Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
Warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
For a thicker sauce, let the cream cheese melt slowly over low heat.
Adjust the amount of ranch dressing based on your preferred level of ranch flavor.