Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Penne (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 10 oz penne pasta
02 - 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
03 - 8 slices bacon, chopped

→ Aromatics

04 - ½ yellow onion, minced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

06 - 2 cups chicken broth
07 - 1 cup sour cream
08 - 4 oz cream cheese
09 - 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1 tsp black pepper
13 - 2 tsp dried parsley
14 - Chopped green onions for garnish

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove to paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in pot.
03 - Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper. Sauté in bacon grease until browned. Add minced onion and cook until chicken is done and onion is soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
04 - Add chicken broth, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley, and cooked bacon. Stir well and bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat.
05 - Stir in cheddar cheese and cooked pasta. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions before serving.

# Cook's Notes:

01 - Can use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep
02 - Adjust creaminess by adding more broth if needed
03 - Leftovers keep well for 3 days in refrigerator