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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Creamy and flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a savory ranch-infused sauce tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. A comforting and easy-to-make dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups half and half

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon strips until they become crisp. Remove from the skillet, reserving the bacon drippings, and once cooled, roughly chop the bacon pieces.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces for faster and even cooking. Season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with reserved bacon drippings, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest briefly, then cube into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring no lumps form. Add the dry ranch seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the creamy ranch sauce and mix well to coat. Then, fold in the cubed chicken. Garnish the dish by sprinkling the chopped crispy bacon on top. Serve immediately warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use rotini or any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or farfalle.
  • Ranch dressing seasoning mix can be found pre-packaged or made from scratch to reduce sodium.
  • For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or fresh parsley as garnish.
  • To make it lighter, substitute half and half with whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy chicken pasta, ranch pasta recipe, bacon pasta, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe/