Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

General Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of penne pasta
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning/dressing mix

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning/dressing mix
  • 1/2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped

Directions

  1. In a large pot of water, boil penne pasta until al dente. Drain
  2. Season chicken pieces with ranch seasoning. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
  3. Cook chicken in prepared skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink in center; about 10-12 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and onto a large plate. Tent with foil to keep warm. Carefully wipe skillet clean so you can cook sauce in it.
  4. Add butter to skillet and melt it over medium heat. Whisk in ranch seasoning and flour. Cook for 30 seconds whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in heavy whipping cream. Continue to cook and stir for 1 minute or until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it completely melts. Season sauce with pepper.
  5. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to ranch sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine.
  6. Pour this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Top with Mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon. Bake in a 375 degree oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.