Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A delicious and comforting dish that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Once done, set it aside and reserve the drippings. Roughly chop the bacon once it cools.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until it is golden and cooked through. After cooking, let it rest, then cube the chicken.
- Boil the pasta: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour and stir to combine. Gradually add in the half and half, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cheese until everything is well blended.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, then fold in the cubed chicken. Garnish with the chopped bacon and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.