Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Indulge in a delicious fusion of flavors with this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, inspired by the classic BLT sandwich! This dish features perfectly cooked chicken breast, crispy turkey bacon, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy ranch sauce tossed with your choice of pasta or low-calorie Shirataki noodles. Complete with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh grape tomatoes, this recipe is not only satisfying but also a healthier option that is sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this dish brings together the best of comfort food with the freshness of a garden salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta
4 ounces (any shape, cooked according to package directions or 2 (8 ounce) packages Shirataki noodles, rinsed and prepared)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces (diced)
lean turkey bacon
4 slices (chopped)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for serving)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
chicken broth
1/4 cup
dry ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons (divided)
grape tomatoes
15-20 (halved)
minced garlic
3 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. If using Shirataki noodles, rinse thoroughly and prepare as directed; set aside once done.
2
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Next, add the diced chicken breast and turkey bacon to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the chicken and bacon to a plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the thawed and drained spinach, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of dry ranch dressing mix. Stir the ingredients and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the spinach is thoroughly heated, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Lower the heat to medium-low. Return the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet along with the prepared pasta (or Shirataki noodles), halved grape tomatoes, and the remaining ranch seasoning. Gently stir to combine all ingredients and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Finally, toss in the shredded parmesan cheese, mixing well until melted. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
It is a delicious fusion dish inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, featuring chicken, turkey bacon, and vegetables in a creamy ranch sauce.
What kind of pasta can I use for this recipe?
You can use 4 ounces of any shape pasta cooked according to package directions, or 16 ounces of Shirataki noodles for a lower-calorie option.
How do I prepare Shirataki noodles for this dish?
Rinse the Shirataki noodles thoroughly and prepare them as directed on the package before setting them aside for the final assembly.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of lean turkey bacon, chopped for a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 8 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in this pasta dish?
This recipe includes 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach and 15 to 20 halved grape tomatoes.
How do I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
Thaw the frozen chopped spinach and ensure it is squeezed dry before adding it to the skillet.
What provides the ranch flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from 2 teaspoons of dry ranch dressing mix, which is added in two separate stages during cooking.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of minced garlic to be sautéed until fragrant.
What is the role of chicken broth in this recipe?
A 1/4 cup of chicken broth is used to help heat the spinach and distribute the ranch seasoning before the liquid is absorbed.
When do I add the grape tomatoes?
Add the halved grape tomatoes toward the end of the cooking process when you return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.
What kind of cheese is added at the end?
1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese is tossed into the pasta at the final step until it is melted.
How long does it take to cook the chicken and turkey bacon?
It typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes of stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner.
What cooking oil is recommended?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic and cook the protein.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients used to create this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
How should I heat the spinach layer?
Cook the spinach with the chicken broth and ranch mix for 3 to 4 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Should the heat be adjusted during cooking?
Yes, lower the heat to medium-low before returning the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a healthier option that incorporates lean protein and fresh vegetables while maintaining comfort food flavors.
Can I serve this for lunch?
Absolutely, this dish is tagged as suitable for both lunch and dinner.
How do I ensure the sauce is creamy?
The creaminess comes from the combination of the remaining moisture from the ingredients, the ranch seasoning, and the melted parmesan cheese.
What temperature should I serve the pasta?
The dish should be served hot immediately after the parmesan cheese has been mixed in and melted.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of minced garlic, which can be fresh or pre-minced.
How many grape tomatoes are used?
The recipe suggests using between 15 and 20 grape tomatoes, halved.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This dish is inspired by the classic flavors found in a BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato) sandwich.
How much ranch seasoning goes into the spinach mix?
One teaspoon of the dry ranch dressing mix is added to the spinach and broth step.
When is the second teaspoon of ranch mix added?
The remaining ranch seasoning is added when combining the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta back into the skillet.
What makes this dish comfort food?
The combination of warm pasta, savory bacon, and a creamy cheese and ranch sauce provides a classic comfort food profile.
Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Yes, a large non-stick skillet is recommended for heating the oil and sautéing the ingredients.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to toss in the shredded parmesan cheese and mix well until it is completely melted into the pasta.