High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Name: High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into cubes); 8 ounces High-fiber pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or fettuccine); 1 cup Low-fat cream (e.g., half-and-half or light cream); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 cup 0% chicken broth (low sodium); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 4 slices Bacon (lean, cooked until crispy and crumbled); 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika; to taste Salt; to taste Black pepper

Indulge in this delicious and satisfying High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish designed to be high in protein yet mindful of fat and calorie content. Featuring tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and high-fiber pasta tossed in a rich, low-fat cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and savory ranch seasoning. This recipe promises a delightful meal that's both hearty and health-conscious.

#Pasta

#Chicken

#Bacon

#Ranch

#High Protein

#Creamy

#Weeknight Meal

#Comfort Food

Creamy Pasta Close-up

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

40m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

480

Calories

48g

Protein

38g

Carbs

16g

Fat

Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Garnished Serving

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Cook the high-fiber pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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10m
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Cook the high-fiber pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10m
Reserve a little pasta water before draining; it can be used to thin out the sauce if needed.
2
While pasta cooks, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
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7m
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While pasta cooks, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
7m
For less fat, use turkey bacon or bake pork bacon in the oven.
3
Add cubed chicken breast to the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook until chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown.
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8m
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Add cubed chicken breast to the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook until chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown.
8m
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
4
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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1m
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Add minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
1m
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.
5
Pour in the low-fat cream and 0% chicken broth. Stir in the ranch seasoning and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.
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4m
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Pour in the low-fat cream and 0% chicken broth. Stir in the ranch seasoning and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.
4m
For a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
6
Add the cooked pasta and most of the crumbled bacon into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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2m
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Add the cooked pasta and most of the crumbled bacon into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2m
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crumbled bacon and extra Parmesan cheese.
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1m
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Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crumbled bacon and extra Parmesan cheese.
1m
Fresh parsley or chives can add a nice touch of color and freshness.