Description
Creamy chicken turkey bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a satisfying meal that promises delightful textures and rich, tangy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 ounce (14 grams) chicken or turkey
- 1/2 ounce (14 grams) bacon
Pasta Preparation:
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight bite. Once done, carefully set aside a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
- In a spacious skillet, render the turkey bacon over medium heat, stirring intermittently until achieving a crisp, golden texture. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Utilize the same skillet to sear the chicken pieces, seasoning generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the exterior develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and the interior reaches complete doneness.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle ranch seasoning, creating a luscious base. Gently simmer while whisking in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Introduce the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Fold in the crispy turkey bacon and perfectly cooked chicken, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and optional additional Parmesan cheese, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize your pasta by swapping turkey bacon for regular bacon or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Use whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
- Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency without overwhelming the ingredients.
- Create a low-carb option by replacing pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg