Description
Mouthwatering ranch chicken bacon pasta brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with its creamy, savory goodness. Bold flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Starches and Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
- Sauté diced chicken in remaining bacon drippings and a splash of olive oil, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken, tossing to ensure even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet, allowing sauce to gently simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
- Plate the pasta, topping generously with crispy bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Use gluten-free pasta and check ranch seasoning mix ingredients for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choosing low-fat cheese options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg