Description
Sweet and Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, slightly sweet creamy ranch sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe balances smoky, savory, and sweet elements for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips or cubes
- 6–8 bacon strips
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells)
Sauce
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-size pieces once cooled. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and slice into strips or cubes.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in ranch seasoning, heavy cream, honey, and Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine All Ingredients: Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon into the creamy ranch sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for color and a fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley or chives to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente for perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Ensure bacon is cooked thoroughly for maximum crispiness and flavor contrast.
- Add honey gradually to balance sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy ranch, bacon pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken pasta
