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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish made with crispy bacon and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Can substitute with pepper jack for heat
For the Chicken and Bacon
  • 6 strips bacon Cook until crispy
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Method
 

Cook the Bacon
  1. In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserving the drippings. Once cooled, chop the bacon roughly.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then cube.
Boil the Pasta
  1. Cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
  2. Whisk in flour, then gradually pour in the half and half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Add in the ranch seasoning and cheese, stirring until smooth.
Combine
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, then add the cubed chicken and finish with the crispy bacon on top.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Consider serving with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For an added kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or top with fresh herbs.