Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Intensity: Moderate
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken and Bacon:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken breast pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- In another batch, cook the chopped bacon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the ranch dressing and chicken broth over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken and bacon to the saucepan, stirring to coat the meat with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble Pasta Dish:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken-bacon ranch mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined.
- Air Fry Pasta Mixture:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish or an air fryer-safe basket.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Air fry the pasta at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once cooked, garnish the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot as a delicious and flavorful main dish.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed for optimal results.
Enjoy your creamy and savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta made in the air fryer!
