Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Reserve 1 tbsp of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic to the reserved bacon grease. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If using baby spinach, toss it in now, allowing it to wilt slightly.
Add the Bacon:
Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and extra bacon crumbles before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 600 kcal per serving | Servings: 4-6