Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish packed with seasoned chicken and crispy bacon, perfect for a quick dinner.
Equipment
- large skillet
- microwave
- casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta I used rotini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat. Set aside and pour bacon drippings into a small bowl.
- Cut the chicken breasts into thinner slices, then pat dry and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- While the chicken rests, boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain once done.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and stir for 1 more minute.
- Temper the half and half by heating in the microwave for 40 seconds, then add to the skillet while stirring.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and add the ranch seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Gradually stir in the cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and combine with the sauce, then add the chicken and garnish with bacon.
Notes
Consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. Shredding cheese from a block is recommended for better melting. Thick cut bacon will provide more drippings, and leftover chicken or mixed vegetables can enhance the dish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 552kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 734mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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