Description
A warm and comforting dish blending chicken, beef, and crispy bacon with the zesty tang of ranch dressing in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, farfalle)
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt (for pasta water)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 8-10 slices thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 (16 oz / 450g) block cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups (360ml) whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 (1 oz / 28g) packet dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 cup (120g) sour cream
- 0.5 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 0.25 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-12 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Cook diced beef bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (8-12 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving some bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through (3-5 minutes per side). Set aside with bacon.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned (7-10 minutes), breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, then add seasonings and sauté chopped onion until softened (3-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Reduce heat, add cream cheese to the skillet, followed by milk or half-and-half. Whisk until smooth. Stir in Ranch seasoning, sour cream, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Fold in cooked pasta and meats until coated. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with remaining bacon, Parmesan, and chopped herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust seasoning to taste. This dish can be made ahead and reheated beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American