Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Print Format)

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta with Parmesan—quick, rich, and comforting, all in under 30 minutes.

# Ingredients:

01 - 8 ounces uncooked pasta
02 - 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - Salt and pepper, to taste
05 - 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
06 - 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
09 - Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds if it is not softened.
02 - Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
03 - Cut the chicken in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
04 - Add chicken broth, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust with additional chicken broth or hot pasta water if necessary.
05 - Cut the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce, stirring in some bacon and reserving some for topping. Serve each bowl with cooked chicken and grated parmesan as desired.

# Tips:

01 - This recipe is rich, so portions are kept small. Consider doubling the sauce and pasta if serving very hungry guests.