Ingredients
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Cozy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is as easy as following these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In the same pot, add chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat. Season cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, around 7-10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to low. Return the crispy bacon to the pot, then pour in the ranch dressing and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring gently. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
6. Serve: Allow the dish to heat through for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Top with chopped parsley for added freshness before serving.
Following these steps ensures a meal that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 30g