Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather our ingredients. You might find that you already have most of these in your kitchen!
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
If you’re missing anything, don’t worry. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. As for pasta, feel free to use whatever shape you have on hand. Remember, home cooking is all about making it work with what you’ve got!
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! My goal is to keep it straightforward and stress-free, just like my mom taught me.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cubed chicken. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
And there you have it—a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s ready to enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, recipe, cooking, food