bacon ranch chicken with parmesan penne

How To Make bacon ranch chicken with parmesan penne

• Step 1
  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13 x 9'' baking dish with cooking spray.
• Step 2
  Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain.
• Step 3
  Transfer to a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the grated and shredded Parmesan cheese and toss it well. Pour into a baking dish.
• Step 4
  In a large ziptop bag, combine the fresh chicken strips, sea salt/black pepper, 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix and 1 cup panko bread crumbs; seal and shake well to coat.
• Step 5
  Heat 1 tablespoon margarine and remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strip mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Step 6
  Heat the remaining margarine in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute for 4 minutes or until tender.
• Step 7
  Reduce the heat to low, combine the half and half, cream cheese, and remaining ranch dressing mix; whisk well.
• Step 8
  Let simmer for 6 minutes. Add the chicken strip mixture and 2/3 of the chopped bacon. Stir together for 3 minutes until combined.
• Step 9
  Pour over the penne pasta mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining chopped bacon.Top with the pizza cheese blend.
• Step 10
  Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Cool completely.
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