Description
A creamy, easy, and incredibly delicious one-skillet dinner featuring chicken, bacon, and penne pasta in a rich cheddar ranch sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices thick-cut beef bacon
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) ranch seasoning
- 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Dice the beef bacon into small, uniform pieces (about ¼-inch to ½-inch). Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces, similar in size to the bacon bits.
- Add the diced beef bacon to a cold large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet. Sear the chicken pieces in the bacon fat until golden brown on the outside, then remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce, stirring to coat. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook according to package directions (about 10-12 minutes), stirring every few minutes. Add more broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Return the reserved bacon and chicken to the skillet and stir to combine and warm through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with your choice of vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne Creamy, one-skillet dinner, chicken recipe, easy dinner