1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Bacon

1. In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
3. Drain the excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for added flavor.

4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

5. Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta hot alongside:

• A crisp green salad with ranch dressing.
• Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.