Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. Prepare cooked chicken and mince garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove. In the same skillet, sauté cooked chicken for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and ranch dressing, stirring well. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted. Season with black pepper and salt.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting.
- Cook pasta to al dente for optimal texture.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
- For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 650 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg