Here's a recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta that serves 4:
Ingredients:
* 12 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or bowtie)
* 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 6 slices of bacon, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 1/2 cup of heavy cream
* 2 tbsp. of ranch seasoning
* 1 tsp. of dried parsley
* 1/2 tsp. of paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Steps:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has slightly reduced.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
10. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
* Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh parsley and green onions can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
* Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this dish, as it will help the sauce stick to the noodles.
* Use the right type of pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work well for this dish, as they have a smooth surface for the sauce to cling to.
* Adjust the amount of cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add more cream.
* Add some texture: Chopped bell peppers, diced onions, or sautéed mushrooms can add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Other Versions of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:
* Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
* Italian-Style Version: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to give the dish an Italian twist.
* Greek-Style Version: Add some chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of lemon juice to give the dish a Greek twist.
* Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use vegan cream and ranch seasoning.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any variations or substitutions.
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