Description
This creamy pasta dish combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch in every bite, making it a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 4 cups of water
- Salt for seasoning the pasta water
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes).
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the ranch dressing to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken. Allow it to warm up for about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and ranch sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and creamy. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta type. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk or ranch dressing to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 30
Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, pasta, quick dinner, comfort food