Description
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta delivers comfort in every comforting bite. Savory bacon, tender chicken, and zesty ranch sauce combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips bacon
Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, bow tie)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 cups half and half (can substitute whole milk)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by cutting it into small squares. Set a large skillet over medium heat and crisp the bacon pieces until golden and crunchy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the grease in the skillet.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken in the bacon grease over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet, rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice into bite-sized chunks.
- Simultaneously, boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously to prevent burning.
- Gradually pour half and half into the skillet, stirring consistently to create a smooth base. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and uniform.
- Fold the cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling crumbled bacon over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Bacon Swap: Opt for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce saturated fat and make the dish more heart-healthy.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour substitute when making the sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spice It Up: Enhance flavor complexity by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika during the chicken seasoning stage for an extra kick.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg