Description
This Chicken bacon ranch pasta made with turkey bacon offers a creamy, savory flavor perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthier twist on a classic recipe, using turkey bacon and chicken breast to reduce saturated fat without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
1 pound Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8–10 slices Turkey baco
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning mix (dry)
8 ounces Cream cheese (full-fat or 1/3 less fat), softened
1.5 cups Milk (any kind – I use 2%)
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish), optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drai
- Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it after removing from the pa
- Step 3: Prepare the Chicken by dicing it into 1-inch pieces and seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the skillet over medium-high heat until golden brow
- Step 5: Build the Sauce by reducing heat, melting the cream cheese, and whisking in the milk, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese until smooth
- Step 6: Combine Everything by returning the chicken to the skillet, adding the pasta, and adjusting the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish with the crumbled turkey bacon and fresh parsley
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't hesitate to adjust ingredients based on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
