Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

I’m a huge fan of anything with bacon and ranch, and this pasta dish hits all the right notes. Tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and crispy bacon make this a meal the whole family will love. It’s comfort food at its finest! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Flavor Explosion: This dish is bursting with flavor! The combination of bacon, ranch, chicken, and cheese is simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is so simple, you won’t believe how quickly it comes together. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
• Kid-Friendly: This pasta is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get your family to eat their veggies!
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish to your liking. Add different vegetables, use a different type of pasta, or even spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:

• Cheddar Cheese: We’re using shredded cheddar cheese for that classic cheesy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a delicious depth of flavor.
• Flour: We’ll use flour to thicken the sauce.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish.
• Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, but I recommend rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor to the sauce.
• Half and Half: This creates a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with whole milk if you prefer.
• Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: This is our secret weapon for that classic ranch flavor.

Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Veggie Delight: Toss in some other veggies like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers.
• Protein Power: Add some grilled shrimp or sausage to the dish for extra protein.
• Creamy Dreamy: Use heavy cream instead of half and half for an even richer sauce.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First things first, shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside. Then, cut the bacon into small squares.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until they’re nice and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and¹ set it aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet you used for the bacon and chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the half and half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the ranch dressing seasoning mix. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Just before serving, crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Bacon Bliss: You can use pre-cooked bacon to save time, or cook your own for maximum flavor.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken has enough space in the skillet to brown properly.

How to Serve

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a fantastic meal on its own, but you can also:

• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is always a good idea with pasta!

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Just reheat everything together before serving.

3. How can I reheat the leftovers?

You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.

There you have it! A creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-flavorful chicken bacon ranch pasta dish that will have you licking your plate clean. Enjoy!

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