Maybe it’s because I grew up on chicken bacon ranch Subway sandwiches or because I dipped my pizza in ranch dressing as a kid, but the phrase “chicken bacon ranch” makes my heart flutter. Add “pasta” into the equation, and I am a goner! (Same story with these Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries.) This stovetop chicken bacon ranch pasta is the fast-cooking cousin of my Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Better yet, it cooks in ONE POT.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Whether you serve it to your picky kids or discerning boss, this pasta will be met with clean plates and requests for seconds. Its wide appeal stems from a masterful combination of comforting, universally-adored ingredients—bacon, gooey cheese—with light, wholesome ones that balance the dish and bring it to life: vegetables, lean protein, and whole wheat pasta. This is a healthy chicken bacon ranch casserole, compared to most you find online.
In addition to the whole grains and vegetables, this chicken bacon ranch casserole uses no alfredo sauce from a jar.Simple, from-scratch ingredients give you better results and this pasta isn’t difficult at all (did I mention ONE POT?!).
The Ingredients
Pasta. I recommend trying chicken bacon pasta shells or orecchiette. I adore the way the veggies and bits of bacon nestle into these shapes and how the creamy sauce clings to the pasta’s lightly ridged exterior. Every forkful guarantees tasty morsels.
Bacon. With its undeniably delicious savory flavor, bacon is the ultimate crowd-pleasing ingredient. Chicken. You can’t have chicken bacon ranch without the chicken. Chicken breasts are a healthy and delicious addition to this pasta.
Milk. I made this chicken bacon ranch pasta with milk instead of cream to keep things lighter. Flour. Flour helps thicken the sauce, making it luscious and creamy. Spices. To create that beloved ranch-like flavor, I used a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, salt, pepper, and cayenne (you’ll see the same mix in my Creamy Ranch Dip). Greek Yogurt. Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce. Plus, Greek yogurt is rich in protein. Cheeses. This recipe uses a magical blend of Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. It’s the perfect trio of melty goodness and distinct, cheesy flavor. Frozen Peas. Using frozen peas is a quick and easy way to sneak in extra veggies.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze pasta in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Dutch Oven. Perfect for making chicken bacon ranch pasta. Small Whisk. A small whisk like this one is easier to handle than larger whisks. Measuring Spoons. This set of magnetic measuring spoons will stay neat in your drawer.
Whether you need a fast supper for tonight or a winning meal to serve friends over the weekend, you can rely on this healthy chicken bacon ranch pasta to be your delectable partner in dinner crime!
Baked Chicken Breast or Baked Bone-In Chicken BreastShredded Chicken: See How to Cook Shredded Chicken, Crock Pot Shredded Chicken, or Instant Pot ChickenAir Fryer Chicken BreastGrilled Chicken Breast
If you’re grating your own cheese (good job!), you can do that up to 1 week in advance as well.
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