Why Make This Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta: Quick & Flavorful!
Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Imagine tender chicken, savory beef, and crispy bacon enveloped in a rich and creamy ranch sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes—richness, texture, and that satisfying feeling after each bite. With its abundance of ingredients and colors, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining friends.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta: Quick & Flavorful!
To whip up this delicious pasta dish, you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a straightforward recipe that combines the loveliness of three proteins with a creamy ranch sauce that you can tailor to your taste. Using pantry staples like garlic, onions, and cheese, you’ll create a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Perfect for those who appreciate robust flavors in a home-cooked meal, this recipe also offers the opportunity to experiment with different types of pasta or cheese based on your personal preference.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1-2 tbsp salt, for pasta water
- 8 oz (227g) thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (110g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (55g) Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook Proteins: In a large pot, cook diced beef bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the fat. Add cubed chicken, season with half of the protein spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika), and sear until browned. Remove the chicken from the pot. Then, add ground beef, season with the remaining spices, and brown. Drain any excess fat.
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Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook your chosen pasta until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
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Make Ranch Sauce – Aromatics & Deglazing: In the pot with the beef, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Make Ranch Sauce – Cream & Ranch Flavor: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth. Whisk in the dry ranch seasoning mix to infuse that delicious ranch flavor.
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Make Ranch Sauce – Cheese & Seasoning: Incorporate the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried parsley to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crispy beef bacon to the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly, allowing it to heat through. If needed, adjust the consistency with more pasta water. Taste and make any final seasoning adjustments. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 990mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta: Quick & Flavorful!
This Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is best served hot and can be enjoyed by itself or paired with a simple side salad for extra crunch. You could also offer it with some garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious ranch sauce. For those hosting a gathering, consider setting up a pasta bar with extra toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, additional cheese, or fresh herbs, allowing guests to customize their plates to their liking!
How to Store Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta: Quick & Flavorful!
If you have leftovers (which are just as good!), store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Avoid the microwave, if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery; instead, heat gently on the stove until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta: Quick & Flavorful!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it just to al dente. It will continue to cook when added to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions significantly enhance the flavors of your dish.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different varieties such as mozzarella or Gouda for a unique twist!
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, consider prepping the proteins and sauce in advance and just combining them with the pasta when it’s mealtime.
Delicious Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Use Different Meats: Swap in pork sausage or turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and skip the meat for a rich vegetarian dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work best for holding the sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream for a lighter version, though the texture and richness may vary slightly.
3. Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding moisture as needed.
4. How can I make this dish more spicy?
If you enjoy some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch sauce for an exciting kick.
5. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty satisfaction. This recipe promises to be a favorite around your dinner table, whether for an everyday meal or a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this dish a try—you’ll find it diversifies your weeknight menu effortlessly. Happy cooking, and feel free to share your cooking adventures or ask questions!
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Creamy Chicken Beef Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful and quick dish featuring tender chicken, savory beef, and crispy bacon in a creamy ranch sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1–2 tbsp salt, for pasta water
- 8 oz (227g) thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (110g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (55g) Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook diced beef bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the fat. Add cubed chicken, season with half of the protein spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika), and sear until browned. Remove the chicken from the pot. Then, add ground beef, season with the remaining spices, and brown. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook your chosen pasta until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In the pot with the beef, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth. Whisk in the dry ranch seasoning mix to infuse that delicious ranch flavor.
- Incorporate the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried parsley to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crispy beef bacon to the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
This dish is best served hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with added moisture to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, chicken, beef, bacon, ranch, quick dinner, comfort food
