Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (about 450g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy. Once cooked, place on paper towels to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
- In the skillet, add heavy cream (or milk) and ranch seasoning mix. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for a few minutes to meld all flavors.
Notes
- Store leftover Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess when reheating.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat cheese and milk, or substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Bacon can be omitted for a vegetarian version, replaced with crispy baked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 680 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
