Description
Sizzling ranch bacon chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending zesty ranch with crispy bacon in a creamy, one-pan wonder. Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon
Pasta and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ranch dressing
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Season diced chicken with garlic powder and black pepper. Sauté in the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the pasta, gently mixing to ensure even distribution.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking until pasta reaches desired tenderness and liquid significantly reduces.
- Remove skillet from heat. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Crumble reserved bacon and gently fold into the creamy pasta mixture. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a vibrant garnish.
- Serve immediately, either directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transferred to a serving dish, ensuring the pasta remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Drain excess bacon grease carefully to control dish richness while maintaining delicious bacon undertones.
- Use slightly less liquid if you prefer a thicker sauce, as pasta will continue absorbing moisture during cooking.
- Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein option without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 684
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg