Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)
1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then whisk in the ranch seasoning mix.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy ranch sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and serve immediately.