Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish combining chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 6 strips bacon Bacon makes everything better.
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Lean protein for a filling dish.
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended) Other shapes like penne or fusilli can be used.
Dairy
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar adds flavor.
- 2 cups half and half Cannot substitute without changing the outcome.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds a savory hint.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For herby flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix Key for flavor.
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons butter For richness in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour To thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced Adds joyous flavor.
Instructions
Cooking Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Reserve drippings and set bacon aside.
Searing Chicken
- Slice chicken into thin pieces, season, and sear in reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden.
Cooking Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add half and half, stirring until smooth. Mix in ranch seasoning and cheddar until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Add drained pasta, diced chicken, and crispy bacon to the sauce and gently mix to coat. Serve warm with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta. You can add veggies or use different types of pasta as well.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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