Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A comforting creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Meat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels.
- Sauté the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces to the rendered bacon grease. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the half and half, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Stir in the minced garlic and ranch dressing mix. Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon. Toss until well combined and heated through.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
Notes
Garnish with extra cheddar cheese or chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, bacon, ranch, comfort food