Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy ranch-infused sauce for a rich and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving comfort food with a bit of indulgence. The rotini pasta holds onto the creamy sauce, making sure each bite is packed with deliciousness. With simple, everyday ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is a great option for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)
- 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. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-12 minutes. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and roughly chop once cooled. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts thinly, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the reserved bacon drippings, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cube.
3. Boil the Pasta:
Cook the rotini in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the half and half, whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Gently fold in the cubed chicken. Garnish with crispy bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutions: For a lighter option, you can substitute half and half with whole milk or use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can cook the bacon and season the chicken ahead of time for quicker preparation. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Variations: Add vegetables like steamed broccoli or spinach for a healthier twist, or spice it up with jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.