Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta that embodies pure culinary bliss

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Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing Leftovers:
Cool the leftover pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh for up to three days, allowing for quick reheating.
Plating for Presentation:
Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and bacon crumbles. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh element to the rich dish.
Seasoning to Taste:
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This final step is vital for achieving the perfect balance of flavors that caters to your preference.
Tossing Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and use tongs to gently toss everything together. This ensures that every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce without breaking the noodles.
Incorporating Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese gradually to prevent clumping. This technique allows the cheese to melt evenly, creating a smooth and cohesive sauce that envelops each piece of pasta.
Building the Sauce:
Combine heavy cream and ranch dressing in the skillet, allowing them to simmer gently. This step ensures that the flavors meld while the sauce thickens, providing the necessary richness for the pasta.
Crispy Bacon Technique:
Cook bacon over medium heat to render the fat and achieve optimal crispiness. This step makes it easy to crumble for mixing into the dish and adds a robust flavor that enriches the sauce.
Cooking Pasta:
Start by boiling salted water, which is crucial for flavor enhancement. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which ensures a perfect texture when mixed with the sauce.
Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese

The Complete Guide to Mastering Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Storing Leftovers:
Cool the leftover pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh for up to three days, allowing for quick reheating.
Plating for Presentation:
Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and bacon crumbles. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh element to the rich dish.
Seasoning to Taste:
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This final step is vital for achieving the perfect balance of flavors that caters to your preference.
Tossing Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and use tongs to gently toss everything together. This ensures that every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce without breaking the noodles.
Incorporating Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese gradually to prevent clumping. This technique allows the cheese to melt evenly, creating a smooth and cohesive sauce that envelops each piece of pasta.
Building the Sauce:
Combine heavy cream and ranch dressing in the skillet, allowing them to simmer gently. This step ensures that the flavors meld while the sauce thickens, providing the necessary richness for the pasta.
Crispy Bacon Technique:
Cook bacon over medium heat to render the fat and achieve optimal crispiness. This step makes it easy to crumble for mixing into the dish and adds a robust flavor that enriches the sauce.
Cooking Pasta:
Start by boiling salted water, which is crucial for flavor enhancement. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which ensures a perfect texture when mixed with the sauce.
Master Your Recipe with These Pro Tips
If you don’t have ranch dressing, mix sour cream with a bit of dried herbs to create a similar flavor profile.
Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a meltier texture.
This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours for a hands-off approach.
This pasta is great for meal prep; simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk to help revive the creaminess.
Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese

Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta that embodies pure culinary bliss. This dish brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. The addition of al dente pasta adds a satisfying chew, while the creamy sauce envelops each bite with luxurious richness. Perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even a weeknight treat, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this creamy delight is sure to warm your heart and feed your soul. Serve it up with a side salad or garlic bread for a truly memorable meal that everyone will love.

Decadent Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Savory Herbs and Cheese
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Ingredients

For the Pasta:
01
8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
02
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, can use rotisserie chicken for convenience
03
6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
04
1/2 cup ranch dressing, for a creamy and tangy flavor
05
1 cup heavy cream, to enhance creaminess and richness
06
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for cheesy goodness
07
1 tsp garlic powder, to intensify the savory profile
08
1 tsp onion powder, adds depth to the flavor
09
1/2 tsp black pepper, for a hint of spice
10
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, to garnish and add freshness

Instructions

01
Step 1: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Once done, remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
03
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the cooked, shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through, absorbing the flavors left by the bacon.
04
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat until it thickens slightly.
05
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a smooth creamy sauce.
06
Step 6: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
07
Step 7: Mix in the crumbled bacon, retaining a bit for garnish, and gently fold everything together until well combined.
08
Step 8: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional bacon if desired.
09
Step 9: Enjoy this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta warm, and feel free to pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
10
Step 10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.