Elevate your mealtime with our delectable creation: the Creamy Ranch Chicken Bacon Pasta. Picture this – succulent shreds of chicken and crispy bacon, combined with al dente pasta, all generously coated in a luxuriously smooth homemade Creamy Ranch Sauce. Topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives and bursts of color from halved cherry tomatoes, each forkful is a tantalizing dance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish seamlessly transitions from the warmth of summer to the coziness of fall, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to create a rich base for the sauce, contributing a velvety texture and hint of nutty flavor.
- Fresh Heavy Cream: Elevates the sauce’s luxurious consistency and lends a luscious, smooth mouthfeel.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and a savory, slightly tangy note to the sauce, enhancing its creamy richness.
- Salt, Pepper, Fresh Garlic: Seasonings that infuse the sauce with well-rounded taste and aroma.
- Fresh Parsley: Offers a vibrant burst of herbal freshness, brightening up the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Dill: Introduces a subtle, unique herbal undertone, complementing the creaminess of the sauce.
- Fresh Chives: Imparts a mild onion flavor and adds a pop of color to the sauce.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce without overwhelming other flavors.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Provides tender, protein-packed bites and a satisfying heartiness to the dish.
- Crumbled Cooked Bacon: Introduces savory, smoky notes and a pleasing contrast in texture to the pasta.
- Fresh Fettuccine: The pasta base that absorbs the creamy sauce, offering a chewy texture and carrying flavors well.
- Halved Cherry Tomatoes (Optional): Adds bursts of juicy freshness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
- Balanced Seasoning: Taste as you go when seasoning the sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Creamy Texture: To avoid curdling, ensure the heat is not too high when adding heavy cream. Simmer gently to maintain a smooth texture.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Save Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of pasta water. It’s starchy and can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Quickly Toss Pasta: Toss the pasta with the sauce immediately after draining to prevent sticking and allow even coating.
- Customize: Feel free to add veggies like sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Consistency Control: If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
What ingredient swaps can I do to make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe healthier?
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute part of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess while adding protein and reducing fat.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great cheese substitute for it has similar textures and flavors.
- Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon, which is leaner and lower in saturated fat.
- Plant-Based Bacon: Try plant-based bacon alternatives made from tempeh, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Choose whole wheat or whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Opt for gluten-free pasta options made from quinoa, brown rice, chickpea flour, or other grains for those with dietary restrictions.
If you enjoyed Chicken Bacon Ranch Past, you’ll also enjoy:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta in homemade ranch sauce—a truly satisfying delight.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tsp fresh chives chopped
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flake (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked at home)
- 1/2 cup bacon freshly cooked and crumbled
- 12 oz (340g) pasta fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional, for color and freshness)
- grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bacon (3-4 slices) according to the package instructions. Crumble once cooled and set aside.1/2 cup bacon
- Cook the fresh pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.12 oz (340g) pasta
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (about one minute).1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 tsp red pepper flake
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well.2 cups heavy cream, 1 cups Parmesan cheese, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Add the fresh chopped parsley, dill, chives, and onion powder. Stir to incorporate. Keep warm on low heat.1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp fresh chives, 1/2 tsp onion powder
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes (if using).2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup bacon
- Pour the warm Fresh Creamy Ranch Sauce over the chicken and bacon mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss again to combine, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.1/4 cup fresh chives, grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Notes
Using fresh ingredients adds an extra layer of flavor and vibrancy to the dish. Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities based on your preferences and use dry ingredients when need be.
Nutrition
Serving: 6servings | Calories: 850kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 449mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2213IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 284mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Loved it! Great taste and easy to prepare!