Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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1. Cook the penne in a large pan of salted boiling water for 10 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Save a mugful of the water, then drain.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

2. Cook the bacon in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat for 6 minutes, until crisp. Lift it onto kitchen paper and leave about 1 tbsp of the fat in the pan.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

3. Add the chicken to the pan, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 6 minutes, turning, until browned and cooked through.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

4. Stir in the garlic, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder and chives and cook for 1 minute.

   Mark done Start 1 min timer

5. Pour in the stock and cream and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

   Mark done Start 5 min timer

6. Stir in the cheddar until melted, add the pasta and toss over low heat for 1 minute, loosening with a splash of the pasta water if it is too thick.

   Mark done Start 1 min timer

7. Serve topped with the bacon, cherry tomatoes and spring onions.

   Mark done

Tips for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Cook the chicken in the bacon fat. It picks up salt and smoke from the pan, and there is no need for extra oil.
• Grate the cheddar yourself. Packaged shreds carry a starch coating that can leave the sauce grainy.
• Keep the pasta water. Its starch loosens a sauce that has thickened too much, and it helps the sauce cling to the penne.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Double cream won't whip if you swap it, but for the cooking itself, full-fat crème fraîche or a lower-fat single cream works in its place.
• Out of spring onions? A small regular onion, finely sliced, or a few chives stirred in at the end both cover the job.
• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Green salad with lemon dressing
• Roasted broccoli

Storing & Reheating Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens on standing, so reheat gently with a splash of milk or water. Not suitable for freezing, since the cream sauce can separate on thawing.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta FAQ: Common Questions

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.