If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this One Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the irresistible taste of ranch seasoning—all in one pot! Say goodbye to endless dishes and hello to a satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for diving into this ultimate comfort food recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the cooked and crumbled bacon, stirring for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Next, add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot with the bacon. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the packet of ranch seasoning over the pasta mixture. Stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the One Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm, garnished with additional crumbled bacon or cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the chicken and cook the bacon ahead of time. This will cut down on your cooking time during the weeknight rush.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas. Simply toss them in with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Some ranch seasoning packets can be saltier than others, so it's best to check.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 145mg
