Spice Up Your Dinner with This Jalapeño Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Alfredo Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful meal to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than this jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe! Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. In this article, we’ll go through all the steps of making this mouth-watering recipe, including ingredients, preparation, and cooking instructions. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make this jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 jalapeños, diced

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 pint of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bacon:

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound of fettuccine pasta
• Salt for boiling water

Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Here are the steps to prepare the jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and top them with the diced jalapeños.
3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder, and whisk until well combined.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a separate pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
7. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions in the boiling salted water until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the components of the jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe prepared, it’s time to put them together! Here are the steps to follow:

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat the Alfredo sauce over medium heat until it’s hot and bubbly.
3. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss it in the Alfredo sauce until it’s well coated.
4. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet, along with the chopped bacon. Toss everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
5. Serve the jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired

6. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe:

• You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less jalapeños, and if you like it spicy, add more.
• If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can substitute it with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or a bacon substitute like turkey bacon or vegan bacon.
• If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat fettuccine pasta or substitute it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• To add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top of the finished dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, bacon, and Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the components and toss them together with the cooked pasta.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti.

3. Can I freeze this recipe?

While you can freeze the components separately, the pasta may not freeze well due to its texture. If you do freeze the components, be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

4. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free substitutes for the butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, such as vegan butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast.

In conclusion, this jalapeño chicken, bacon, and ranch Alfredo recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and customize to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish it with some fresh herbs for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!