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 & bacon penne for a simple Sunday dinner when we needed something that felt special but was quick to put on the table. It's become a family favorite for its comfort and how easily it comes together after a long day.
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
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the 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 the Chicken:
- Add 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 Aromatics:
- In the same skillet add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese heavy cream and milk stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add Ranch Seasoning & Cheese:
- Stir in dried parsley dill chives garlic powder onion powder salt pepper and half of the Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Toss:
- Add cooked pasta chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Pin it There's nothing better than gathering everyone around the table with heaping plates of creamy ranch chicken and bacon penne laughter and stories between bites. It always brings smiles and empty plates every time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. You can also add steamed broccoli or spinach for a vegetable boost.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 690 calories 37 g total fat 53 g carbohydrates and 34 g protein making it a hearty and satisfying main dish.
Pin it Dig in and enjoy how the ranch flavors mingle with every bite of chicken bacon and penne. This comfort meal is sure to become a staple at your dinner table.
Common Questions
- → How do I get the sauce creamy without it separating?
Slowly combine cream cheese with the dairy and stir constantly over medium-low heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
- → Can I substitute the penne pasta with other types?
Yes, other short pastas like fusilli or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce and mix with the chicken and bacon.
- → What is the best way to cook the bacon for maximum crispiness?
Cook bacon in a hot skillet without crowding the pan to allow even crisping, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → How can I adjust the dish to be lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the cream cheese amount. Adding steamed greens boosts nutrition too.
- → Is it important to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserved pasta water adds starch that helps loosen the sauce and improve its texture when tossing everything together.