
Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Penne: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
This Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce come together in a dish that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and savory chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create a unique dish that’s perfect for you.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This dish is warm, comforting, and satisfying – the perfect antidote to a long day.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. You can also use other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni.
* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Bacon:** 8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
* **Ranch Dressing:** 1 cup. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium, chopped.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Cook the Pasta:**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.
**2. Cook the Bacon:**
* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
* Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
**3. Cook the Chicken:**
* In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
**4. Make the Ranch Sauce:**
* Reduce the heat to low.
* Add the ranch dressing and cream cheese to the skillet.
* Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Add the milk to the sauce and stir to combine. This will help thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
* Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or ranch dressing to taste.
**5. Combine Everything:**
* Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the ranch sauce and chicken.
* Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
**6. Serve:**
* Serve immediately.
* Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley, if desired.
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ranch Bacon Chicken Penne
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and will not hold its shape as well in the sauce.
* **Use High-Quality Bacon:** The quality of the bacon will significantly impact the overall flavor of the dish. Use thick-cut bacon for the best results.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softening the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce will help it melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. You can soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or by microwaving it for a few seconds.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Garlic can burn easily, so be sure to cook it over low heat and keep a close eye on it. Burnt garlic will have a bitter taste that can ruin the entire dish.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or half-and-half to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to allow it to thicken up.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Some good options include broccoli florets, peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken and cook until tender.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy ranch dressing.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can make the pasta, bacon, and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the ingredients and combine them with the ranch sauce.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce.
* **Bake it for a Casserole:** Transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Pasta:** Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. Other pasta shapes that work well include rotini, farfalle, elbow macaroni, or shells.
* **Chicken:** Substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use ground chicken or turkey.
* **Bacon:** Use turkey bacon or pancetta as a substitute for regular bacon.
* **Ranch Dressing:** Make your own homemade ranch dressing using buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, and spices. There are countless recipes available online. You can also experiment with different flavors of store-bought ranch dressing, such as spicy ranch or avocado ranch.
* **Cream Cheese:** Substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or sour cream for a tangier flavor.
* **Milk:** Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer and creamier sauce. You can also use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
* **Cheese:** Add other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan, to the dish.
* **Vegetables:** Customize the dish with your favorite vegetables. Consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Side Salad:** Serve this dish with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great option.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious ranch sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, for a healthy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** Serve with a fruit salad for a refreshing and sweet complement to the savory dish.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
* **Freeze:** This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
## Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Penne Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound penne pasta
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup ranch dressing
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Make the ranch sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add ranch dressing and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add milk and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Combine everything: Add cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
6. Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with cheese, green onions, and parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Ranch Bacon Chicken Penne!