Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet

Chelsea Rice

This Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet uses minimal ingredients and kitchen tools, making it super simple and quick to make. It’s packed with protein and veggies and is perfect for a busy weeknight healthy meal!

4.75 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 396 kcal

Equipment

Cutting Board
Knife
Large Skillet

Ingredients

4 slices turkey bacon (I used Applegate)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed into bite size pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups water
8 oz whole grain penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1-2 tbsp ranch seasoning (I used Trader Joes)*
1-2 cups 2% milk (or milk of choice)*
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded*

Instructions

In a large stovetop skillet or pan, add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add olive oil to the same skillet along with cubed chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add water, pasta, and ranch seasoning to pan. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer to al dente (according to the length listed on pasta package). NOTE: Keep an eye while the pasta is cooking. You may need to stir occasionally and add a small amount of water if the pan is starting to look dry. The water should be mostly absorbed by the time the pasta is cooked.
While pasta is cooking, crumble/chop bacon into bite size pieces.
When pasta is done cooking, add chicken, bacon, milk, and shredded cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is fully incorporated together. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until everything is warm and sauce has thickened. NOTE: Start with 1 cup of milk and add as needed. For a more saucey pasta dish, add more milk. For a thicker pasta dish, use less milk.
Sprinkle with additional ranch seasoning if desired and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

*Start with 1 tbsp of ranch seasoning and add more as needed for more flavor.
*Start with 1 cup of milk and add more as needed until you reach your desired amount. For a more saucey pasta dish, use more milk. For a thicker pasta dish, use less milk.
*It is highly recommended to use freshly shredded from a block instead of pre-shredded cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 35gFat: 13g

Keyword chicken bacon ranch, healthy, high protein, pasta