Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, bow tie, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half (can substitute whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside. Cut the bacon into small squares.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until 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.
- Cook 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.
- Cook 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 and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Just before serving, crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the finished dish.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg