Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A heartwarming dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing with perfectly cooked pasta, making it a beloved family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup ranch dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese feel free to swap with your favorite cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas or swap in spinach for added nutrition
- Salt Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped to garnish
Bacon Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, remembering to reserve a cup of pasta water for later.
Cooking the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, leaving some drippings in the skillet for flavor.
Combining Ingredients
- In the same skillet, add the cooked chicken and stir it around to absorb the bacon flavors. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the ranch dressing to the skillet with the chicken. Stir in the cooked pasta, frozen peas, and half of the cheddar cheese. If the mixture seems too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to get everything nicely coated.
Finishing Touch
- Fold in the crispy bacon, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Allow it to cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Garnishing and Serving
- Top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add jalapeños for spice, roasted veggies for added nutrition, or swap ranch for alfredo sauce for a creamier twist. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days.