Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble into small pieces. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cooked chicken pieces to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the ranch dressing, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until smooth and warmed through. Add reserved pasta water if a thinner sauce is desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another minute until cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier ranch sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta if on a gluten-free diet.
- For extra flavor, top with freshly chopped parsley or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 600 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg