Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's not only incredibly easy to make but also bursting with flavor? Meet the Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta—a comforting, creamy delight that will have your family begging for seconds! With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms into a mouthwatering meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, all simmered to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and let’s dive into the secrets of making this delectable pasta!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts and ranch seasoning. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. This will serve as the base for your dish.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken in the crock pot. This will help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Add the cream cheese on top of the chicken and broth. You can cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks to help it melt more easily.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken tender and infuse it with flavor.
- After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the cream cheese and broth mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is shredded and mixed well, add the cooked pasta to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finally, add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm, garnished with additional bacon or cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with ranch seasoning the night before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's nice and crispy. This will add a delightful crunch to your pasta dish.
- Cream Cheese Tips: Cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks before adding it to the crock pot. This will help it melt more evenly and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures that it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Add Veggies: For a nutritious twist, consider adding some veggies like spinach or broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and extra flavor!
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or even fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
