Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning mix
- 1.5 cups cooked, shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 6 slices turkey beef bacon (beef bacon de dinde), cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess fat. Remove the ground beef and set aside, reserving the skillet.
- Step 2: In the same large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream and the full packet of Ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 3: Stir the cooked, shredded chicken and the browned ground beef into the cream sauce. Add half of the cooked and crumbled turkey beef bacon (beef bacon de dinde) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce and proteins. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Heat through for 1-2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crumbled turkey beef bacon.
Notes
- Since the rich cream sauce will thicken significantly upon cooling, store any leftovers promptly in an airtight container and plan to enjoy them within three days.
- To revive refrigerated pasta, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth per serving to loosen the sauce back to a creamy consistency.
- Cut the richness of this hearty dish by serving it alongside a crisp, green side salad dressed lightly with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal.
- For maximum texture and flavor payoff, sauté the packet of Ranch seasoning in the melted butter for 30 seconds before adding the heavy cream, and reserve the beef bacon exclusively for garnishing the finished plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American