The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta: A Kitchen Adventure Full of Love
Okay, so let me take you back to that one crazy night when I first attempted this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. It wasn’t just an ordinary cooking session; it was a full-on episode of me vs. the kitchen. I was juggling work, my kids’ soccer practice, and the laundry mountain that seemed to grow taller every day. My husband, Jake, suggested takeout for the umpteenth time, but I was determined to whip something up. And honestly, I figured how hard could it be? Well, let’s just say I was about to find out.
I tried making this pasta while hoping for a peaceful evening with my family and good ol’ Netflix. Fast forward a little while, and I had flour all over my face, a dish that looked like a crime scene, and my cat, Whiskers, doing his best impression of a ghost under the dining table. The smoke alarm went off, and my youngest, Lily, walked in and exclaimed, “Mum, are we having a BBQ indoors?” Bless her, she laughed, and that made it all worth it.
But GUYS, by some miracle, it all came together in the end, and I kid you not, it tasted amazing! I realized this wasn’t just about getting dinner on the table; it was a comforting hug in a bowl. So this dish is what I whip up when life feels a tad chaotic, and I need a little cosiness without breaking the bank.
Why This Matters
Here’s the thing: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is more than just food; it’s a solution for those nights when everything goes a bit sideways. It’s what I cook when the kids are buzzing about like little tornadoes, and I just want to catch a moment of peace. It’s like wrapping up in a warm blanket after a chilly autumn day, right? Full disclosure: whenever I serve this, my family’s faces light up, and for those few minutes, it feels like everything is just okay—even if not everything is!
But let’s be real. I have my flops, and I’ve faced more than a few kitchen disasters in my time (hello, burnt water!). This pasta is my redemption dish; it’s the one that says “I love you” without being cheesy (literally).
Before You Start
- If you notice you’re out of ranch seasoning, trust me on this one: mixing a bit of mayo with some herbs can do the trick.
- You def don’t need fancy pasta for this. Just grab whatever’s in your pantry. I often use Tesco value pasta because it works, and it saves my wallet!
- The one tool you’ll want on hand is a good non-stick skillet (or the one you trust the most). I have the one my mum gifted me ages ago, and I swear by it.
- Oh, and pour yourself a glass of wine while you cook. It makes the whole process more relaxed. Or maybe it’s just me needing a little lift at the end of the day!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (I often use boneless to save time, but whatever you have is cool)
- a handful of bacon (I mean, who doesn’t love bacon?!)
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning (go with the store brand to keep it budget-friendly)
- 8 oz (about half a pack) of penne pasta (I used Tesco value, and honestly, you can’t taste the difference)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (oops, I sometimes use half-and-half if I’m feeling rebellious)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (whatever you have; mozzarella is good, but I’ve used cheddar before when in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (is there ever enough salt?)
- Optional: green onions for garnish (my husband loves these, so I pretend I’m fancy when they’re on.)
Cooking Steps
- Cook the Pasta:
- Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. I always forget this step and panic when I remember, so don’t do what I did! Once it’s boiling, toss in your penne and cook until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Why This Matters: Overcooked pasta is a crime—no one wants mush! You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slight bite to it.
- Fry the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. If you feel like joining the chaos, save some of the grease for cooking the chicken. It adds a ton of flavour!
- My Personal Hack: I usually cook the bacon in the oven for about 20 minutes at 200°C (or 400°F) rather than babysitting it on the stove. Less mess, and honestly, it turns out better!
- Anecdote: This is where I learned the beauty of smoke alarms—every time I made bacon 10 years ago, they’d scream at me until I figured out the oven trick.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Now in that glorious bacon grease (or use a splash of olive oil if you’re feeling healthy), add the diced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Common Mistake: Don’t crowd the pan. Make a mess elsewhere if your skillet looks full!
- Cue the Smell: You know it’s ready when your kitchen suddenly feels like a cozy diner.
- Combine Everything:
- Once your chicken is done, add the cream and ranch seasoning to the skillet, stirring well. Then, toss in that heavenly pasta and bacon.
- Why This Matters: The cream will coat every noodle and soak up all the juicy goodness. Oh, and if it looks too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Easy peasy!
- Cheese It Up:
- Sprinkle in that shredded cheese, and stir until it’s melty and blended into the sauce. I’m telling you, this step is like a warm hug.
- Anecdote: My daughter, Lily, always tries to sneak cheese while I’m stirring—she claims she’s the “taste taster.”
Troubleshooting Real Life
- If you accidentally burn the bottom, just add a splash more of cream and give it a good stir. Most times I can salvage it; no one needs to know about those crispy bits…yet.
- Out of ranch seasoning? Just mix some herbs (like thyme and parsley) with a bit of mayo, and voila!
- Kid emergency? It’s okay! You can cover the pot and just let it sit on low for 10-15 minutes. I’ve done this while my son had a meltdown over his missing LEGO!
The Serving Story
I usually serve this in a nice, big bowl because it feels a bit fancy (I mean, it’s pasta night, right?). But let’s be honest—sometimes we eat it straight from the pot while watching our fave show in the lounge. If we’re feeling brave, I sprinkle some green onions on top, and boom, instantly classy.
Leftovers taste even better because all those flavours have had more time to mingle. Trust me on this one; what you think was impossibly good on day one will blow your mind on day two.
When I Make This
I tend to whip this dish up on those particularly mad Wednesdays. You know, the kind of day when the world is swirling, and you feel like you can’t catch a break? While it’s simmering, I’ll fold laundry (if I can muster that energy) or just kick back and watch a quick episode of my current binge—am I right or am I right?
We gather around the table, often after a long day, and I can tell right away if the kids are keen. If they’re excited about digging in, I know I’ve struck gold!
The Conversational Close
Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta has seen me through overcooked vegetables, chaotic evenings, and even those days when nothing seems to go right. It might not be perfect, but it’s totally mine, and honestly, it’s my family’s comforting, messy, yummy secret.
If you decide to whip this up, I’d seriously love to hear how it goes! Tag me in your posts, or just enjoy it in the quiet moments of your busy lives—because that’s what cooking is all about, right? Speaking of comfort food, what’s yours? Mine would have to be this pasta right now.
Happy cooking, friends! 💖
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a big pot of salted water and add the penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Save some of the grease for cooking the chicken if desired.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet with bacon grease or olive oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in the cream and ranch seasoning with the cooked chicken, then add the cooked pasta and bacon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese into the mixture and stir until melted and well combined.
