Creamy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
Description:
This Creamy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—smoky, tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken breast pieces are cooked in a rich ranch-seasoned BBQ cream sauce, tossed with crispy bacon, and coated around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or casual Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
6 slices bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra bacon bits
Ranch drizzle
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet (discard the rest).
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add diced chicken.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 6-8 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce:
Add minced garlic to the cooked chicken and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in BBQ sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning packet.
Bring to a gentle simmer; cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Combine:
Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked bacon (reserve a little for topping if you like).
Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until fully coated.
6. Serve:
Plate the pasta, sp
rinkle with extra bacon, parsley, and a light ranch drizzle if desired.
Serve hot!