Description
Hearty cheddar bacon ranch alfredo pasta delivers comfort and indulgence in one satisfying dish. Creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Using the same skillet or a clean saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring consistently. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning mix throughout the pasta, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates. Arrange sliced chicken strips elegantly across the top of the pasta. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the rich, creamy flavors to be fully appreciated.
Notes
- Cooking Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Pasta Texture Matters: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and allow it to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming soggy.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Remove sauce from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky consistency.
- Diet-Friendly Modifications: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories, use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, or substitute turkey bacon for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg