Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook bacon slices until crispy. Once cooked, chop into small pieces and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the ranch dressing, milk or heavy cream, and stir well. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and drained pasta into the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat pasta and turkey bacon.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Involves dairy, contains meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg