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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta - Easy homemade recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy, comforting pasta with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch flavor - ready in 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz bacon chopped
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 12 oz pasta rotini, penne, or cavatappi work best
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook bacon in large skillet until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving 1 tbsp grease in pan.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in bacon grease over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side (it will finish cooking later). Remove from pan.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. In same skillet, melt cream cheese with 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in ranch dressing, heavy cream, and pasta water until smooth.
  5. Add chicken back to pan along with cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Stir in most of the bacon and Parmesan.
  6. Garnish with remaining bacon, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, use 1/2 cup ranch dressing plus 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days - add a splash of milk when reheating.