Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package directions.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled Cook until crispy.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Use your choice of cheese.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- for garnish Fresh parsley Optional but recommended for presentation.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the ranch dressing mix to the cooked chicken, pour in the heavy cream, and stir continuously. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese until fully combined.
- Plate up the pasta, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy your meal!
Notes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain texture. You can swap the chicken for shrimp or grilled vegetables for variation.