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 after a busy workday craving something satisfying but not fussy. The creamy sauce comes together fast while the smoky bacon and ranch flavors make every bite special.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g) cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bacon: 6 slices bacon chopped
- Penne pasta: 350 g penne pasta
- Onion: 1 small onion finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic minced
- Heavy cream: 200 ml heavy cream
- Whole milk: 120 ml whole milk
- Cream cheese: 60 g cream cheese softened
- Parmesan cheese: 70 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried parsley
- Dried dill: 1 tsp dried dill
- Dried chives: 1 tsp dried chives
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp garlic powder
- Onion powder: ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt: ½ tsp salt
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the 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 the bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook the 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 the chicken:
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet add onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese heavy cream and milk stirring until smooth and combined.
- Add seasoning & cheese:
- Stir in ranch seasoning (parsley dill chives garlic powder onion powder salt pepper) and half of Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta chicken & bacon:
- Add cooked pasta chicken and bacon to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Finish & serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Save This recipe quickly became a family favorite after our kids asked for it two nights in a row. The crowd-pleasing flavors make it perfect for sharing around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet slotted spoon knife and cutting board measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat milk and pork. May include egg depending on pasta brand. Please read ingredient packaging for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 690 Total Fat 37 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 34 g
Save Serve this dish steaming hot with a simple green salad for a perfectly comforting meal. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce without it separating?
Use cream cheese and heavy cream slowly over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to ensure the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t curdle.
- → Can I substitute the bacon for a different meat?
Yes, pancetta or cooked smoked ham work well to provide a similar smoky, savory flavor.
- → What pasta can I use instead of penne?
Short pasta types like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also pair nicely with the creamy sauce and chicken.
- → How should I season the chicken for best results?
Lightly season with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance natural flavors without overpowering the sauce.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, steamed broccoli or spinach can be stirred in near the end for added color and nutrition.