Who doesn’t love a good pasta dish? They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. This mouthwatering recipe brings together tender chunks of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed with al dente penne pasta.
The dish is further elevated with a decadent blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, creating a creamy texture.
The crowning touch comes from a generous drizzle of ranch dressing, infusing each bite with a burst of tangy and herby goodness.
Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and indulgent meal.
And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying, then you need to try this chicken bacon ranch pasta.
How to Prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
Recipe Time:
Let’s kick things off with the basics. You’ll be pleased to know that this delightful recipe won’t demand too much of your time. just 15 minutes
From start to finish, you can have this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta on your table in approximately 30 minutes.
Yield:
This recipe is designed to generously serve four, making it an ideal option for family dinners, casual gatherings, or those delightful solo indulgences.
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Cooking utensils
- Colander
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Cook Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
● Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
● Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
● Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
● Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
● Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Saute Cherry Tomatoes:
● In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes.
● Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Combine Ingredients:
● Reduce heat to low.
● Add cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and ranch dressing to the skillet.
● Stir until well combined and heated through.
5. Season and Garnish:
● Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
● Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but you can also top it with additional ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can cook the pasta and chicken the day before. Then, simply reheat the pasta and chicken before adding the ranch dressing mixture.
Tips and Variations
For a lighter version, you can use light ranch dressing and reduced-fat cheese.
If you don’t have bacon, you can substitute cooked ground turkey or sausage.
You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as broccoli, spinach, or carrots.
Health Benefits
Chicken bacon ranch pasta is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate meal that is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The chicken provides protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. The bacon adds some healthy fats, which are important for energy production and hormone regulation.
And the ranch dressing provides calcium, which is important for bone health.
What Type Of Bacon Is Best?
The best type of bacon is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few factors to consider when making your choice.
1. Thickness: Bacon comes in a variety of thicknesses, from thin and crispy to thick and chewy. If you prefer your bacon crispy, then you’ll want to choose a thinner slice. If you prefer your bacon chewy, then you’ll want to choose a thicker slice.
2. Smoke flavor: Bacon is smoked with a variety of woods, such as hickory, Applewood, and maple.
Hickory is a popular choice for its strong, smoky flavor. Applewood gives bacon a sweeter flavor. Maple gives bacon a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
3. Applegate Farms: Applegate Farms is known for its high-quality, natural bacon. Their bacon is made with pork from humanely raised pigs and is free of artificial ingredients.
4. Oscar Mayer: Oscar Mayer is one of the most popular brands of bacon in the United States. Their bacon is available in a variety of thicknesses and flavors.
5. Smithfield: Smithfield is a leading producer of pork products. Their bacon is available in a variety of flavors, including hickory smoked, Applewood smoked, and maple cured.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of bacon is best for you is to try a variety of different brands and types.
Experiment with different thicknesses, flavors, and cures until you find one that you love.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers of chicken bacon ranch pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not store leftovers of the chicken bacon ranch pasta at room temperature. When reheating, make sure the chicken bacon ranch pasta is heated through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
These are the basic guidelines on how to store leftovers of chicken bacon ranch pasta. Always make sure to check the specific instructions for the recipe you are following, as there may be variations.
How Do I Prevent The Pasta From Sticking Together?
There are several things you can do to prevent pasta from sticking together:
1. Use enough water. Pasta needs plenty of room to move around as it cooks, so make sure to use a large pot with enough water. A good rule of thumb is to use 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
2. Salt the water. Salting the water not only adds flavor to the pasta, but it also helps to prevent it from sticking together.
The salt helps to break down the starch on the surface of the pasta, making it less likely to clump together.
3. Stir the pasta often. Stirring the pasta as it cooks helps to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to each other. Stir the pasta once or twice a minute, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.
4. Don’t rinse the pasta. Rinsing the pasta after it has cooked will remove the starch that helps to keep it from sticking together. If you do need to rinse the pasta, such as if you are going to use it in a cold salad, do it very briefly and under cold water.
5. Add a little oil to the water. Adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the water can help to prevent the pasta from sticking together. The oil will coat the pasta and prevent it from sticking to itself or to the pot.
6. Cook the pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta is more likely to stick together, so be sure to cook it until it is al dente, which means that it is still slightly firm to the bite.
7. Use a sauce. Adding a sauce to the pasta will help to coat it and prevent it from sticking together. The sauce will also add flavor and moisture to the pasta.
8. Drain the pasta immediately. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately in a colander. Don’t let the pasta sit in the hot water, as this will make it more likely to stick together.
9. Toss the pasta with sauce immediately. After draining the pasta, toss it with sauce immediately. This will help to coat the pasta and prevent it from sticking together.
10. Serve the pasta immediately. The best way to prevent pasta from sticking together is to serve it immediately after it is cooked.
If you need to store the pasta, do so in the refrigerator and reheat it in a saucepan with a little bit of sauce before serving.
FAQ for a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
What are the main ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
The main ingredients typically include pasta, chicken breast or thighs, bacon, a ranch dressing or seasoning, and additional ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and vegetables if desired.
How do I cook the chicken for the pasta?
You can cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying it. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning for added flavor.
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use your favorite pasta shape. Common choices include fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
Can I make a homemade ranch dressing?
Absolutely! You can make a homemade ranch dressing using ingredients like buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and herbs.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare certain components ahead of time, like cooking the chicken or bacon. However, it’s best to assemble and toss the pasta just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Can I make it without meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. You might want to add extra vegetables or a meat substitute for protein.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking comfort and flavor in a single dish. This chicken bacon ranch pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for those on a diet. With its simple preparation steps and delicious combination of ingredients, it’s a surefire winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Gather your ingredients, follow the easy instructions, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure culinary delight. Stay tuned for more tantalizing recipes from Best Recipe Here!
Enjoy!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Cooking utensils
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Cook the Penne Pasta:
- ● Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
- ● Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- ● Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- ● Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
- ● Remove from skillet and set aside.
Saute Cherry Tomatoes:
- ● In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes.
- ● Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients:
- ● Reduce heat to low.
- ● Add cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and ranch dressing to the skillet.
- ● Stir until well combined and heated through.
Season and Garnish:
- ● Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- ● Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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