Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing to create a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 whisk
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup heavy cream Can be substituted with milk for a lighter option.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the ranch mixture over the cooked chicken and bacon in the skillet and stir. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and mixed thoroughly into the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon based on your preference. You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter option. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can increase the dish's nutritional value.