Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese with classic ranch seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting pasta dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and serves up to four people.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried penne pasta
Chicken & Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dried penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the small pieces of chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the flour and the ranch dressing seasoning mix over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until it thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped cooked bacon pieces until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cheesy ranch chicken sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra veggies, add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the ranch seasoning.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger groups.
- Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
