Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz or 28 g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix, stirring to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.