Pin It 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.
I first made this ranch chicken and bacon penne for my family on a chilly evening craving something both hearty and comforting. The blend of ranch seasoning with creamy sauce and crispy bacon has since become a requested favorite!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless, 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
- Parmesan cheese: 70 g grated, divided
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp
- Dried dill: 1 tsp
- Dried chives: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped, (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Crisp bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in pan.
- Cook chicken:
- Add chicken pieces in skillet, season lightly with salt and pepper, cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and done. Transfer chicken to plate.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add onion to pan and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Season sauce:
- Mix in ranch seasoning (parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) and half the Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back to skillet. Toss with sauce, add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Pin It This pasta is a hit at family dinners, and kids especially love the creamy ranch flavor. Sharing a big bowl at the table always brings plenty of smiles!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg (possible in some pasta), and pork. Always check ingredient labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 690, Total Fat 37 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 34 g.
Pin It Enjoy this creamy ranch chicken penne for a comforting dinner that is sure to satisfy. Leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Slowly incorporate the cream cheese and dairy over medium-low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling once dairy is added.
- → Can I substitute bacon with another meat?
Yes, pancetta or smoked turkey work well to maintain a smoky flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- → How to adjust the sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water before draining and add gradually to the skillet to achieve desired creaminess.
- → What herbs are in the ranch seasoning blend?
The blend includes dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for balanced flavor.