Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful dish. Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, so enjoy the process!
- 12 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t worry! Feel free to substitute the penne with any pasta you have on hand, and for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Instructions
Cooking this dish is as enjoyable as savoring it. Let’s bring the ingredients together in a few simple steps:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet, then add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and bacon back into the skillet, tossing everything together. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
One of my favorite tips when making this dish is to let the sauce simmer just enough to thicken, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful. Remember, patience is a virtue in cooking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International