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A skillet of chicken bacon ranch pasta with a serving spoon in it.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This chicken bacon ranch pasta is sauteed tender chicken breast tossed with pasta in a creamy and cheesy ranch sauce, all finished off with smoky bacon. A quick and easy dinner option!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 634kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces rotini pasta uncooked
  • 6 slices bacon coarsely chopped
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper divided use
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning powder
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives you can also use parsley

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions.
  • Cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy.
  • Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel. Pour most of the bacon fat out of the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon remaining in the pan.
  • Add the chicken to the pan and season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Add the garlic to the pan, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan. Place on a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
  • Melt the butter in the pan. Add the cream and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until just thickened - do not boil.
  • Whisk in the ranch seasoning and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted.
  • Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the sauce.
  • Place the pasta, bacon and chicken in the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with chives or parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

  1. You can use raw chicken tenders or chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer.
  2. Any short pasta will work - some other great options include penne, farfalle or cavatappi.
  3. Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 634kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1588IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 2mg