Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A comfort food delight featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, baked to perfection with cheese, making it a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta You can swap with rotini or farfalle.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled Crispy for best flavor.
- 1 cup ranch dressing Choose high-quality or homemade for better flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella recommended.
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing chicken.
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish chopped green onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the crumbled bacon, then pour in the ranch dressing and milk. Stir everything together to combine.
- Mix in the cooked pasta along with half of the shredded cheese, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
This dish can be served with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.