Description
A comforting dish of tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich creamy sauce, loaded with shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a hint of ranch flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower heat and add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add Flavor: Stir in ranch seasoning mix, and mix in shredded chicken and chopped bacon, allowing to heat through for another 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add cooked penne into the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Penne, pasta, chicken, comfort food, easy recipe