This One Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines the irresistible flavors of bacon, ranch, and cheddar in a creamy, comforting dish. Adapted to be WW friendly, it’s an indulgent yet lighter meal that cooks in one pot, making both preparation and cleanup simple and quick.

Cuisine Type: American
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
4 slices bacon, diced
2 tablespoons light butter
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 package dry ranch dressing mix
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 scallions, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Crisping the Bacon: Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly crisp. The sizzle and aroma are your cues that something amazing is about to happen. Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, and carefully remove the extra bacon fat from the skillet.

Searing the Chicken: Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the light butter to the same skillet and let it melt, then toss in the chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender, no longer pink, and has a slight golden brown color. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

Creating the Flavor Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and dry ranch dressing mix over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, creating a fragrant, flavorful base for your pasta.

Combining Everything: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and fat-free milk to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Finishing Touches: Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the fat-free shredded cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined. For an extra cheesy touch, cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt thoroughly.

Serving Up: Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped scallions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Notes:

Even Cooking: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
Full-Fat Option: If not following WW, feel free to use regular butter, whole milk, and full-fat cheddar for an even richer flavor.
Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 284
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 500mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the skillet after the pasta has cooked, along with the cheese and bacon.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or shells will work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk.