Ranch and Bacon Chicken with Penne Pasta

This Ranch and Bacon Chicken with Penne Pasta is a comforting dish perfect for busy nights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5 40

Total Time 5 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 658 kcal

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Skillet

Ingredients

Chicken

2.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Spices

2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

Liquids

5 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk

Dairy

1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or more to taste

Dry Ingredients

1 package (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix such as Hidden Valley Ranch®
1 package (16 ounce) penne pasta

Meat

1 package (8 ounce) bacon

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Place chicken in a slow cooker. Coat with kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, pepper flakes, and thyme. Pour chicken broth in and around the chicken. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.
Shred chicken and place back into the broth. Add cream cheese and stir well to dissolve. Stir in ranch dressing. Add pasta and milk. Stir, place lid back on, and cook on High for 30 minutes.
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
Mix Cheddar cheese into pasta; crumble in bacon and stir to combine. Cook until cheese is melted and pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes more.

Notes

This recipe is also known as 'Hot Mess Chicken' for its comforting qualities during busy nights.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 658kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 51gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 2240mgPotassium: 542mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 297mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Bacon, chicken recipe, comfort food, pasta, Ranch and Bacon Chicken, slow cooker recipe

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