Save A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch-infused sauce tossed with penne. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ranch Chicken & Bacon Penne has quickly become a go-to in our home for busy weeknights. Every bite is full of comforting flavors and makes for delicious leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized 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
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 70 g, plus more for serving
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp
- Dried dill: 1 tsp
- Dried chives: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Crisp 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 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté 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 Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add Ranch 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.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Save This pasta brings everyone to the table and always sparks big smiles with its rich flavors. It's the meal my kids request on cozy weekends together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Add steamed broccoli or spinach for color and nutrition.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Allergen & Nutrition Facts
Contains: wheat, milk, egg (possible in pasta), and pork. Per serving: 690 calories, 37 g fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save This creamy ranch chicken and bacon pasta is pure comfort, easy to make, and even better the next day. Enjoy every forkful!