Description
Few meals combine comfort, flavor, and simplicity as well as Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Picture tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce tossed with al dente pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Cooking the Bacon:
- Heat a large skillet over low heat and cook the bacon until it’s crisp.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve the drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
- Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 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.
- Boiling the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Making the Ranch-Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Let it cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the half and half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the ranch dressing seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combining and Serving:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly.
- Stir in the cubed chicken and half of the chopped bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- To Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls or plates.
- Top each serving with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese for that finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American