Protein-Packed Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to indulge in a hearty, comforting dish that brings together creamy ranch flavors, smoky bacon, and tender chicken? This Protein-Packed Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the kind of meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry bellies after a long day. 🍗🥓🍝

This recipe has its roots in the tradition of home-style American comfort food, where family meals are made to nourish, delight, and bring everyone around the table. It’s not just about the flavor—it’s about that feeling of togetherness that comes with passing a big serving bowl and watching smiles spread across the table.

Packed with lean chicken for protein, smoky bacon for indulgence, and ranch flavors that make every bite pop, this pasta is both filling and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday family meal, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is versatile and sure to please. Best of all, it’s straightforward to make, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off.

So, tie on your apron and get ready to whip up a bowl of creamy, cheesy, ranch-kissed pasta goodness. Let’s dive in! 🤗🍴

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. 🍝
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside. 🍗
3. In the same skillet, add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. 🥓
4. Using the same pan with bacon drippings, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 🧄🔥
5. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir in ranch seasoning, cream cheese (if using), and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Stir until smooth. 🥛
6. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and luscious. 🧀✨
7. Return cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together, coating evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Taste and adjust with extra ranch seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
9. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm. 🌿🍴

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Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~520 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️