Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s easy to make and combines chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors that everyone loves. Plus, with creamy cheese sauce and pasta, it’s comforting and filling. This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great family recipe or a crowd-pleaser for parties.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ingredients:

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
6 strips bacon
Salt/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

Directions:

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube the chicken after it has rested.
Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour, then gradually mix in the half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with the cooked chicken. Garnish with the chopped bacon and serve warm.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in bowls, and feel free to add extra cheese or bacon on top for more flavor. This dish goes well with a side salad or garlic bread, making the meal complete. Enjoy it warm, and it’s perfect for leftovers too!

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

If you have leftovers, store the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is warm throughout.

Tips to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Cook everything in the same skillet: This saves time and enhances flavor as the drippings from the bacon help to season the chicken and sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and seasonings can elevate the taste of the dish significantly.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta for added nutrition. You can also substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep, just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your flour and ranch seasoning are gluten-free as well.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Author: skinytaste-net
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

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Description

A creamy and comforting pasta dish that combines chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Instructions

In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside and reserve drippings; roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube the chicken after it has rested.
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour, then gradually mix in the half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with the cooked chicken. Garnish with the chopped bacon and serve warm.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with extra cheese or bacon on top. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, bacon, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, family recipe