– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Creating Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these instructions to whip up this incredible meal:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In the same pot over medium heat, add a little oil if necessary. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pot, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add in the ranch seasoning mix and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add Cheese: Once the sauce is simmering, slowly stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pot, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
6. Bacon Time: Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon, saving some for garnish if desired. Mix until everything is well combined.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready to enjoy!