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 when everyone wanted something rich and cozy. The homemade ranch seasoning gives the sauce an extra flavor boost. Bacon and chicken together make it an instant favorite at my dinner table.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp optional
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Crisp Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook 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 Chicken:
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 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.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium low. Add cream cheese heavy cream and milk stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese:
- Stir in ranch seasoning (parsley dill chives garlic powder onion powder salt pepper) and half of the Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta Meat and Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Save This pasta is a guaranteed hit with my family everyone loves the creamy sauce and bacon bits. It is our go-to dinner for busy nights when we want something both easy and comforting.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet slotted spoon knife and cutting board measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat milk possible egg and pork. Always check pasta and cheese labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 690 Total Fat 37 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 34 g
Save Serve this creamy ranch chicken & bacon penne hot straight from the skillet and enjoy with a green salad for balance.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Cook the penne in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce helps keep everything smooth and prevents sticking.
- → Can I substitute bacon with another meat?
Yes, smoked turkey or pancetta make great alternatives, providing similar savory and smoky flavors that complement the creamy sauce.
- → What herbs are used for the ranch seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, delivering the distinctive ranch flavor.
- → Is it possible to use a lighter dairy option?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half reduces richness while maintaining creaminess, making the dish lighter yet flavorful.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Steamed broccoli or spinach can be stirred in just before serving to add color, texture, and nutritional variety.
- → What cheese works best in this dish?
Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce to add a sharp, savory depth that balances the creamy base.