Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon, tender rotisserie chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce with the tangy taste of ranch seasoning. This comfort food is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and it’s incredibly easy to make. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dish, along with tips, variations, and frequently asked questions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 rotisserie chicken, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the rotisserie chicken into chunks and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the unsalted butter and melt over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, diced rotisserie chicken, and crispy bacon to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle the Ranch Seasoning Mix over the pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh Italian parsley over the top of the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Cook’s Notes
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Ranch Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Ranch Seasoning Mix to your taste. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch seasoning.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Add Spice: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the Alfredo sauce.
Gluten-Free Version
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Vegetable Addition
- Add Veggies: Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to the pasta for extra nutrition and color.
Low-Fat Version
- Low-Fat Ingredients: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese for a lower-fat version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
- Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
- How can I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
- You can use cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs as a substitute for rotisserie chicken.
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
- Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. However, homemade Alfredo sauce has a richer flavor.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to please. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
