Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta combines all the best comfort food flavors into one creamy, cheesy dish. Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and al dente penne are tossed in a decadent ranch-infused sauce that’ll have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make.

One chilly evening, I was searching for something hearty but easy to whip up after a busy day. My husband and little ones adore anything with bacon, and ranch dressing is practically a family staple. So, I decided to combine these favorites into a pasta dish, and the results were magical. It’s now a go-to recipe in our home, and it never fails to impress guests at potlucks or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta

•One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

•Flavor Explosion: Creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken create the perfect harmony.

•Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

•Customizable: Add veggies, swap pasta shapes, or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes For Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta

•Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, diced for quick cooking.

•Bacon: Cooked until crispy for smoky, salty goodness.

•Ranch Seasoning: The key to that classic ranch flavor.

•Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy base for the sauce.

•Shredded Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for gooey deliciousness.

•Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce.

•Optional Veggies: Broccoli, peas, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.

Recipe Steps

1.Cook the Bacon:

•In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan.

2.Cook the Chicken:

•Add diced chicken to the skillet and season with ranch seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.

3.Make the Sauce:

•In the same skillet, add heavy cream and a little pasta water. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

4.Combine Ingredients:

•Toss in the cooked penne, chicken, and bacon. Stir until everything is coated in the sauce.

5.Garnish and Serve:

•Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.

•Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

•Protein Swap: Use turkey, sausage, or even shrimp instead of chicken.

•Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale for extra flavor and texture.

•Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Q: Can I substitute milk for cream?

For a lighter version, you can use milk, but the sauce may be less thick and creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones. It’s comfort food at its finest! 🍝🥓🧄

Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 12 oz penne pasta
• ▢ 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• ▢ 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 2 cups heavy cream
• ▢ 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Bacon:
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease for added flavor.
• Cook the Chicken:
• In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce:
• Add the garlic to the skillet (along with the reserved bacon grease, if using) and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Combine Ingredients:
• Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until everything is well combined.
• Add Mozzarella:
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover and let it melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat, or transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Serve:
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.