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A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the irresistible flavors of ranch, chicken, and bacon into one comforting meal. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Preparation:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Bacon Cooking:
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble. Keep 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Aromatic Base:
- Heat olive oil in the skillet. Sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Cook for approximately 3 minutes.
- Sauce Creation:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Final Assembly:
- Fold in shredded chicken. Add half the crumbled bacon. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Serving:
- Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with remaining bacon. Add extra cheese and parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish Pairings:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Wine Pairings:
- White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
- Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Light-bodied reds
Variations
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
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Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet with splash of broth.
- Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat gently.
A decadent pasta dish that combines comfort, flavor, and convenience in one delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free penne pasta and check the ranch seasoning mix.
- → Can I add vegetables?
- Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, or peas work great in this recipe.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Sharp cheddar works best, but you can try other melting cheeses.