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–+ servings
Recipe a33b8789fc

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines the creamy goodness of ranch dressing with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh cherry tomatoes over tender pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Holds sauce beautifully; can substitute with rotini or bowties.
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken, diced Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie for convenience.
  • 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled Can substitute with turkey bacon or veggie bacon.
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Select a creamy brand with fewer additives.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully and adds richness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved Adds freshness and a sweet-tart balance.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for sautéing chicken and bacon.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional) Adds color and a fresh taste.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Heating the Ingredients

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon, sautéing until heated through.
  • Pour in the ranch dressing, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.

Combining the Dish

  • Gently toss in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring it's well-coated with the ranch mixture.
  • Fold in the cherry tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Allow flavors to deepen by letting the pasta sit for about five minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute ingredients as needed and don’t forget to taste while cooking! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 980mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Ranch Pasta, Weeknight Meal
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