Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- 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
Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserving the drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Sear the chicken in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube the chicken after resting.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour, then gradually add the half and half, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until everything is well combined.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, followed by the cubed chicken and chopped bacon. Mix everything together and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For a lighter dish, substitute the half and half with milk or a dairy-free alternative. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, and reheat with a splash of milk or water.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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