Introduction
Who doesn’t love a rich, creamy pasta dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and the ever-popular ranch seasoning? This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort food and can easily become a family favorite. Packed with protein, dairy goodness, and the irresistible crunch of bacon, this dish is a perfect blend of indulgence and ease. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have the time for an elaborate meal. With a prep and cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds in no time. The creamy sauce is rich with cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, providing a mouthwatering texture that coats the penne pasta perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to garnish with fresh parsley or even add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or spinach. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add the cooked bacon and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until both cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve the pasta immediately, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
How to Prepare
Begin by preparing the pasta. While the pasta is boiling, focus on cooking the chicken. Make sure the chicken is cut into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Heat the olive oil, and cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked, with a golden sear. Incorporating the bacon next will infuse the dish with that smoky flavor we all love. Once the ranch seasoning is added, the flavors will begin to meld together perfectly. The creamy sauce is the star of this dish, so it’s important to lower the heat before adding in the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir constantly to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth consistency. The cheeses are then melted into the sauce to create a rich, velvety texture. Finally, toss the pasta in and serve immediately for the best result!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute the penne pasta with any other short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle.
2. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix your own with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar flavor profile.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas make excellent additions and will balance the richness of the sauce.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Delight is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The smoky bacon and seasoned chicken perfectly complement the rich, tangy ranch-flavored sauce. This pasta dish is not only comforting but also extremely easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, while the bacon adds that irresistible crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you still want a home-cooked meal. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Print
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Delight A Comforting Meal in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta delight! A quick and comforting meal loaded with rich flavors, perfect for weeknights. Ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add the cooked bacon and ranch seasoning mix to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until both cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve the pasta immediately, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
Begin by preparing the pasta. While the pasta is boiling, focus on cooking the chicken. Make sure the chicken is cut into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Heat the olive oil, and cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked, with a golden sear. Incorporating the bacon next will infuse the dish with that smoky flavor we all love. Once the ranch seasoning is added, the flavors will begin to meld together perfectly. The creamy sauce is the star of this dish, so it’s important to lower the heat before adding in the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir constantly to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth consistency. The cheeses are then melted into the sauce to create a rich, velvety texture. Finally, toss the pasta in and serve immediately for the best result!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings