Description
The ultimate comfort dish! Al dente pasta smothered in a luxurious cream-Ranch blend, loaded with savory chicken and crunchy beef turkey bacon. Full instructions, prep tips, and nutritional data included.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Penne or Rotini pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces beef turkey bacon, chopped
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or reserved beef bacon fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, cook the chopped beef beef bacon over medium heat until crispy; remove the beef bacon and set it aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Season the cubed chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet with the reserved beef bacon fat and olive oil (if needed), cooking for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the entire packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and three-quarters of the crispy beef bacon to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crispy beef bacon and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be aware the pasta will inevitably soak up most of the creamy sauce as it chills.
- For best results when reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to restore the creaminess and prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Cut the richness of this ultimate comfort food by serving it alongside a crisp side salad dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, or garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives.
- To maximize the savory depth, ensure you use the reserved tablespoon of beef turkey bacon fat when browning the chicken, as this initial step sets the foundation for the deep, smoky flavor of the finished sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 1050
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 67g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g