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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A comforting and quick meal combining creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 8 ounces pasta (preferably penne) Any type of pasta can be used.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken Shredded or diced; grilled, rotisserie, or leftovers work.
  • 8 strips bacon Crispy and crumbled.
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Creamy ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella are great options.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor.
  • salt and pepper To taste.
Garnish
  • 1 chopped green onions or parsley For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, toss in the cooked chicken with bacon drippings. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  4. Reduce heat to low, add drained pasta, pour in ranch dressing, and stir gently. Adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water as needed.
  5. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Crumble bacon into the pasta, reserving some for garnish.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with chopped green onions or parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a veggie boost. For a lighter version, swap ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based mix. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.