A simple, creamy pasta dish made in one pot, featuring chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop/Pressure Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup water (for Instant Pot method)
Instructions
Place the dry pasta, chicken pieces, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth into a large pot or the inner pot of an Instant Pot.
If using a stovetop pot, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
Stir in the crumbled bacon.
Serve immediately.
Notes
For freezer meals, assemble all ingredients except the cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight, then cook according to stovetop instructions, adding the dairy items at the end.
For an Instant Pot version, use 1/2 cup water instead of 1 cup of the chicken broth to prevent a ‘Burn’ notice.