Save 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 on a chilly evening when everyone craved something cozy and satisfying. The combination of chicken, bacon, and pasta with a homemade ranch touch became a quick family favorite.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil penne in a large pot with salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
- Cook bacon:
- In a large skillet on medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook chicken:
- Add chicken to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add onion. Cook 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make sauce:
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Add ranch seasoning & cheese:
- Stir in parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan. Mix until creamy.
- Combine & finish:
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Save This dish became a regular dinner request after our youngest declared it the best pasta ever on her birthday. It's now our go-to for pasta night laughs and stories.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Steamed broccoli or spinach make tasty additions and bring more color to the dish.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and pork. Always check ingredient labels for allergens, especially in packaged products.
Save Serve this penne right from the pan for maximum creaminess. Leftovers keep well, bringing ranch flavor to lunch the next day.