Pin 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.
The first time I tried ranch chicken and bacon penne, it quickly became a family favorite. The kids especially love the savory sauce and crispy bacon. It is a much-requested comfort dish in our home.
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
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Crisp Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk until smooth and combined.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in ranch seasoning (parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper) and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Finish & Serve:
- Top with remaining Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Pin Sharing this pasta at Sunday dinner always brings smiles. My family gathers around the table with anticipation for this tasty dish every time.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half and half. Extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach boost the nutrition and flavor.
Required Tools
Large pot and skillet, slotted spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons make prep and cooking easy.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat, milk, and pork ingredients. Always read labels carefully for allergies.
Pin Sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh touch before serving. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook the sauce over medium-low heat and stir continuously after adding cream cheese and dairy to keep it smooth and prevent separation.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, penne works well, but rigatoni or fusilli can also hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → How should I cook the chicken for best texture?
Cook bite-sized pieces over medium heat until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring a tender result.
- → What herbs give the ranch flavor in this dish?
Dried parsley, dill, and chives combined with garlic and onion powders create the signature ranch seasoning.
- → Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, steamed broccoli or spinach can be stirred in to add freshness and texture.