Pic Credit: saltandlavender
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish, and prepared to include pieces of creamy chicken, pieces of bacon and creamy dressing called ranch, all served together with pasta. This is a perfect dish for everyday meal preparation or when you are planning a simple meal for your friends’ hangout, for they will enjoy the dish and food prep is quite easy. This is perfect for beginners or even for those professional cooks out there since this dish is amazing for everybody.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 500 grams of chicken breast, diced
- 200 grams of pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 150 grams of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Chicken Preparation: Be very sure that the chicken is thoroughly defrosted if you froze it before preparing food. It’s best if you make them uniform size to allow for even cooking.
- Bacon Cooking: Bake bacon until it snaps, cracks or is golden brown but not overcooked since overcooking makes it lose its taste.
- Pasta Cooking: Let pasta be boiled in a big pot containing a lot of water. You need to add enough salt to the water in order to season the pasta better.
- Ranch Dressing: Selecting a good ranch dressing is recommended, but you can use homemade ones if they are prepared freshly.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of packaged shredded cheese because of even melting and better flavor.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Chicken: The same amount of protein as steak can be provided by chicken that lacks fat as it is boneless and skinless, chicken thighs are even better for this purpose as they are juicy.
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Pasta Types: If you don’t have penne on hand, rotini is also good; feel free to use whatever shape of pasta you like best.
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Bacon: For a similar taste and a little less fatty substance, one can use turkey bacon.
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Ranch Dressing: Try using other kinds of ranch dressing because they offer various variants such as spicy or garlic flavored.
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Cheese Variations: Don’t be afraid to use mixed cheeses; mozzarella and pepper jack will give the dish different textures and flavors.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Cook the Pasta: In a large saucepan, boil salted water in the pot. Introducing the pasta and cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes or until they are firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon: In a pan to a medium heat add in chopped bacon. Until they turn brown or crispy, typically it takes 5 to 7 minutes. Spoon the mixture into a skillet and let it fry until crispy Remove from skillet and place on paper towels to drain.
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Sauté Chicken: If necessary, add olive oil into the same skillet. Stir in diced chicken and again season it with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and done to specs about 7-10 min.
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Add Garlic: Promptly add minced garlic and then continue to stir until the garlic gives out its characteristic aroma for about one minute more.
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Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Place in the cooked pasta, ranch dressing, cooked bacon, and half of cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir it up until mixed and the ingredients are cooked all the way through.
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Melt Cheese: Remaining cheese spread over the surface and then I covered it with the lid for about 2-3 minutes allowing cheese to melt.
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Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if required before you take a meal.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Add Vegetables: Add vitamins and greens by using spinach or broccoli, for instance, fry with the chicken.
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Spicy Kick: Stir crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños in case you like spicy dishes added to your meals.
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Creamy Sauce Adjustment: If you want your sauce to be richer then incorporating the ranch dressing along with cream cheese or sour cream.
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Make Ahead: Some ingredients such as chicken and bacon should be pre-cooked to ease preparation during those extremely busy sessions.
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Leftover Usage: Interestingly, this dish can be prepared flexibly depending on the amount or type of chicken or bacon many happen to have after preparing other meals.
EQUIPMENT
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Skillet (preferably non-stick)
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Colander for draining pasta
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Note
SERVING TIPS đŸ’¡
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Plate Presentation: Serve in bowls for individual portions; sprinkle extra cheese on top for visual appeal.
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Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like chives or basil can enhance both flavor and presentation.
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Pairing Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
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Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers; this helps maintain freshness.
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Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
If you're looking for another flavorful meal, check out this easy Frank's Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe.
