From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Chicken Bacon Ranch Orecchiette Pasta
Instructions
1
Cook orecchiette pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove and place on paper towel to drain.
3
Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and paprika.
4
Add chicken to the skillet with bacon grease. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5
Add butter to the same pan. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
6
Pour in heavy cream. Season with the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.
7
Add cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
8
Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, cooked chicken, and bacon. Stir to combine.
9
Optional: Add extra 1/2 cup mozzarella for a cheesier finish and let everything melt together.
10
Simmer for a few minutes. Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water First 💧Always reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this is essential for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the creamy ranch sauce coat the orecchiette perfectly without becoming too thick.
- Render Bacon Low and Slow 🥓Cook bacon over medium-low heat rather than high heat to render fat slowly and evenly, creating crispy pieces while building a flavorful fat base for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Bloom Your Seasonings in Butter 🧈Toast the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in melted butter for 30-45 seconds before adding cream—this blooming technique intensifies flavors and prevents raw spice taste.
- Temper Cheese Addition Carefully 🧀Add shredded cheeses off the heat or on very low heat while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and separation of oils; this creates a smooth, silky sauce rather than a grainy texture.
- Finish with Fresh Parmesan Last ⭐Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the plated pasta rather than mixing it into the hot sauce—this preserves its sharp flavor and prevents it from melting into an oily residue.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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