Description
A hearty and creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the drippings in the skillet.
- Prepare the chicken by slicing it into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Let rest before cubing.
- Boil the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce by melting butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Gradually whisk in flour, then slowly add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheese until creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta and cubed chicken with the sauce. Toss to coat and crumble bacon over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon and gluten-free pasta. Customize with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option or add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, bacon, ranch, comfort food, weeknight dinner, creamy