Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that combines smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a rich ranch-infused sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy ranch-infused sauce, while crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Juicy bites of chicken make it a hearty meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent. With just the right balance of creamy and smoky flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
For those who love a little extra nutrition, adding broccoli gives this dish a fresh pop of color and a boost of veggies without sacrificing flavor. The homemade sauce, made with a blend of Parmesan, milk, and ranch dressing, ties everything together for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together right in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta
Ingredients:
Pasta
- penne pasta
- cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- bacon, chopped
- broccoli florets (optional, for added veggies)
Sauce
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)
- heavy cream (or substitute with more milk for a lighter version)
- Parmesan cheese
- ranch dressing
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
- salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
If using broccoli, add it to the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of cooking then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply dice or shred it and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Next, gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir the parmesan cheese into the thickened mixture.
Whisk ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the thickened milk mixture. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This is truly the special sauce for Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta!
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli (if using), and half of the crumbled bacon to the skillet.
Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne works great for holding the creamy sauce, you can use rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Simply shred it and mix it into the pasta.- Can I use raw chicken? Yes! If you’re using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then cook in the same skillet with the bacon grease until fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes per side) right after cooking the bacon. Remove and dice or shred.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute the heavy cream with more milk, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and opt for a light ranch dressing to cut down on fat.Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.What vegetables can I add besides broccoli?
Spinach, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Definitely! Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda can work well in the sauce, though it may slightly change the flavor.How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep the sauce from drying out.
More Stove Top Pasta Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets optional
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk whole or 2% preferred
- 1/2 cup heavy cream can substitute more milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Garnish
- fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. If using broccoli, add it to the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.
- If you’re using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then cook in the same skillet with the bacon grease until fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove and dice or shred. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply dice or shred it and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli (if using), and half of the crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley if desired.