Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all coated in a creamy ranch sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook the diced chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
