Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

Yes, but use less and add it slowly. Seasoning gives stronger flavor without thinning the sauce too much.

What is the best cheese for this sauce?

Cheddar is my go to. A mix of cheddar and parmesan tastes extra savory. Shred it yourself for the smoothest melt.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Turn the heat down before adding cheese and add it in small handfuls. High heat is usually the culprit.

Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta spicy?

Totally. Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or use Pepper Jack cheese. Even a little hot sauce works.

Does this work with leftover chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect. Just stir it in near the end so it warms up without drying out.

Deliciously Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-16 oz Pasta (Use rotini, penne, or cavatappi for best results.); 1-1.5 lb Chicken (Breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.); 6-10 slices Bacon (Cook until crisp.); 1-2 tablespoons Butter or olive oil (For cooking.); 2-4 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 1 cup Chicken broth (Use to deglaze the pan.); 1 cup Heavy cream (Or half and half.); 1 packet Ranch seasoning (Or 2-3 tablespoons of homemade mix.); 1-2 cups Shredded cheddar (Add in small handfuls for melting.); optional Parmesan (For extra flavor.); Salt and pepper (To taste.); Green onions or parsley (For topping.)

Description

A cozy and creamy pasta dish made with chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing that comes together quickly for a delightful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12-16 oz Pasta (Use rotini, penne, or cavatappi for best results.)
1-1.5 lb Chicken (Breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.)
6-10 slices Bacon (Cook until crisp.)
1-2 tablespoons Butter or olive oil (For cooking.)
2-4 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
1 cup Chicken broth (Use to deglaze the pan.)
1 cup Heavy cream (Or half and half.)
1 packet Ranch seasoning (Or 2-3 tablespoons of homemade mix.)
1-2 cups Shredded cheddar (Add in small handfuls for melting.)
optional Parmesan (For extra flavor.)
Salt and pepper (To taste.)
Green onions or parsley (For topping.)

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Instructions

Cooking

Boil pasta in salted water until just tender. Save about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and chop. Leave a little bacon fat in the pan.
Cook chicken in the same pan until done. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
Pour in broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Lower heat, stir in cream and ranch seasoning.
Add cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth.
Toss in pasta and bacon. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for looseness.
Top with green onions and extra bacon if desired.

Notes

For a one-pot version, cook bacon, then chicken, add garlic, broth, and then stir in dry pasta with extra water until done. For baked variation, keep sauce looser, pour into a greased dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American