Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A delicious and easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, combining cheesy and creamy flavors with seasoned chicken and crispy bacon, perfect for dinner.
Equipment
- large skillet
- pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
Cheese and Pasta
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Meat
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Condiments and Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked pasta I used rotini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 cups half and half
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat. Set aside and pour bacon drippings into a small bowl. Roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Cut the chicken breasts into thinner slices and season each side with salt/pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in heated bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into cubes.
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta once finished.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Temper the half and half by heating it in the microwave for 40 seconds. Add it to the skillet in splashes, stirring as you do so. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
- Add the Ranch seasoning and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the cheese.
- Add the pasta to the skillet and combine with the sauce. Add the chicken and garnish with bacon or stir it into the sauce before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips: Heavy cream can be used instead of half and half. Freshly shredded cheese from a block will melt better. Leftover chicken can also be used, and any pasta can work for this recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1plateCalories: 552kcal
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