Save to Pinterest A creamy flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken crispy bacon and a homemade ranchinfused sauce tossed with penne. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
My family requests this creamy ranch chicken & bacon penne every time they crave comfort food. The combination of crispy bacon savory chicken and a velvety sauce always brings everyone to the table in record time.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless skinless (about 400 g) cut into bitesize pieces
- Bacon: 6 slices chopped
- Penne pasta: 350 g
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Whole milk: 120 ml
- Cream cheese: 60 g softened
- Parmesan cheese: 70 g grated
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp
- Dried dill: 1 tsp
- Dried chives: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 12 tsp
- Onion powder: 12 tsp
- Salt: 12 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 14 tsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 12 cup of pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard excess bacon fat leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 57 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Cook Onion & Garlic:
- In the same skillet add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to mediumlow. Add cream cheese heavy cream and milk stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add Seasoning & Cheese:
- Stir in the ranch seasoning (parsley dill chives garlic powder onion powder salt pepper) and half of the Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest The first time we made this together my kids insisted on extra bacon and loved helping sprinkle the fresh parsley over the finished pasta. Its now a tradition for our family movie nights.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. Serve with garlic bread and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for a full meal.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving is approximately 690 calories with 37 g total fat 53 g carbohydrates and 34 g protein. Please note values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Ingredient Swaps
Try turkey bacon for a lighter touch or glutenfree pasta if needed. Add steamed broccoli or baby spinach for extra veggies or use halfandhalf instead of heavy cream for a lowerfat version.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy your creamy ranch chicken bacon penne hot for the best flavor and texture. This dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or thin?
Reserve some pasta water while cooking and add gradually to the sauce until the desired consistency is achieved. This helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
- → Can I substitute the bacon with another protein?
Yes, turkey bacon or pancetta work well for a similar savory effect, or you can omit it for a lighter dish focusing on chicken.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Sauté over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Steamed broccoli or spinach can be folded in near the end of cooking to boost nutrition and add color without overpowering the flavors.
- → What cheeses enhance the creaminess of the sauce?
Cream cheese and Parmesan offer a rich, smooth texture and a nuanced depth of flavor, making the sauce luscious and satisfying.