How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
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Sauté the garlic: Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the ranch seasoning. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Add the cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Combine: Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Pro Tips
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Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Extra creamy? Add a few ounces of cream cheese or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
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Bacon tip: Cook bacon in the oven while the pasta is boiling to multitask efficiently.
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Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Variations You Can Try
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Swap proteins: Use turkey, sausage, or even grilled shrimp.
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Add veggies: Stir in broccoli, spinach, or peas for a pop of color and nutrients.
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Low-carb version: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
What to Serve With It
This dish is rich and satisfying, so pair it with something light:
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Side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce separating, but possible if needed.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal — creamy, savory, and full of crave-worthy flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your dinner table!