Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A cozy comfort food dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and pasta, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta Feel free to swap for gluten-free options.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie works wonders!
- 6 slices bacon, diced Who can resist bacon?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ranch dressing Homemade or store-bought.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Or your favorite cheese.
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped For a healthy option, swap with broccoli.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional but adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add olive oil, then toss in the chopped asparagus. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crunchy.
- Add the shredded chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir to combine and let everything soak up the flavors for another 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Gently fold in the cooked penne and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and everything is creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.