It only takes thirty minutes and a single sauté pan to make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Chicken, bacon, and penne pasta are coated in a creamy cheese sauce with tangy ranch seasoning.
You’re going to love my recipe for chicken bacon ranch pasta because it’s the quickest, most flavorful meal you’ll have all week. Bonus – the entire family will love it!
Plus, this sauce is creamy, smooth, and deliciously flavorful with the addition of Ranch Seasoning. Feel free to make your own (try my recipe) or use a ranch seasoning packet from the grocery store.
I love skillet meals because they are just so darn easy. There’s nothing better than coming home and preparing dinner in just thirty minutes. And, there’s less clean up because you’re using only one pan.
This meal is pretty indulgent – pasta, bacon, and cheese? Yes please! I like to plan this meal on nights when I’m exhausted and in need of a comforting, filling meal.
Want to make this skillet meal a bit healthier? You’re welcome to substitute the bacon with turkey bacon, or omit it entirely.
You can also add a cup of vegetables after your pasta is done boiling. Try a cup of peas, carrots, corn, or cooked broccoli! A handful of spinach would also work well.
What’s the difference between a sauté pan and a skillet?
For this recipe, and all of my “skillet” meals, I use a 5 quart sauté pan. A sauté pan has tall, vertical sides and a flat bottom, like shown in the photos. A skillet has sides that flare out at an angle, and less surface area on the bottom.
I recommend a sauté pan because it will hold more and has more surface cooking area on the bottom. This helps you cook an entire meal in one pan because you have more space and surface area to work with.
I love my All-Clad sauté pan (affiliate link). Another great choice would be this Cuisinart sauté pan which is rated highly on Amazon.
Love one pan meals as much as I do? Check out some of my other recipes:
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Meal
Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet Meal
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet Meal
Leftover Turkey Bacon Alfredo Skillet Meal
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Meal
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 16 ounces boneless, skinless, chicken breasts cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/4 cups penne pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. If needed, add olive oil to equal 2 tablespoons of total oil/grease in your pan.
- Add cubed chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Pour chicken broth, water, heavy cream, and penne pasta to pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook to al dente according to pasta's package directions. Most of liquid should be absorbed.
- Add chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese to pan. Stir until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
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