Cheddar Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Ranch Seasoning Recipe

Introduction

This creamy chicken pasta combines tender seared chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan, reserve the drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
2. Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then cube.
3. Step 3: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the half and half, then add the dry ranch seasoning mix. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, then fold in the cubed chicken. Garnish with the chopped bacon and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken seasoning or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
• Substitute half and half with whole milk or heavy cream for a lighter or richer sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or half and half to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Rotini works well because it holds the sauce nicely.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper to mimic the ranch flavor.

Cheddar Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Ranch Seasoning Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

This creamy chicken pasta recipe combines succulent seared chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheddar cheese and ranch-flavored sauce over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s a comforting, savory dish ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together easily using a skillet.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Seasonings

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

Protein

• 6 strips bacon
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Dairy

• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half and half

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet for later use. After the bacon cools, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat and sear the chicken slices until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before cubing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Boil the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken and bacon, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the dry ranch dressing seasoning mix. Once the sauce begins to thicken, reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat the noodles evenly. Fold in the cubed chicken and heat through for a minute or two. Finally, garnish the dish with the chopped crispy bacon. Serve the creamy chicken pasta warm for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

• Use rotini pasta for the best texture and sauce adherence, but penne or fusilli can be good substitutes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of half and half slightly or simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken.
• Make sure to cook the chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
• This dish can be prepared without bacon for a lighter version; substitute with olive oil for searing chicken.

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, cheddar cheese pasta, ranch seasoning pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal