Description
Creamy bacon ranch chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory flavors into a perfect weeknight dinner. Cheese-coated noodles and crispy bacon create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast
- 6 slices bacon
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels, leaving rendered fat in pan.
- Season chicken pieces generously with ranch seasoning mix, ensuring even coating.
- Sauté chicken in bacon drippings over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat to low and pour heavy cream into skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Crumble reserved bacon and fold into the cheese sauce, distributing evenly.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is coated.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added brightness and color.
Notes
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, leaner version of this dish for health-conscious eaters.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce, giving the dish an extra flavor dimension.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg