Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

2 minutes read

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. By cooking the chicken in the rendered bacon drippings, you layer the flavor from the very start, resulting in a rich, creamy dish that rivals any restaurant’s comfort food.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS	AMOUNT
Proteins & Pasta
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	2 small
Bacon strips	6
Uncooked pasta (Rotini or Penne)	2 cups
For the Creamy Sauce
Half and half	2 cups
Cheddar cheese, shredded	2 cups
Butter	2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	1 tablespoon
Seasonings
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon: Place the 6 strips of bacon in a large skillet over low heat. Cook “low and slow” until crispy. Remove the bacon and roughly chop once cooled. Reserve the bacon drippings in a small bowl; wipe the skillet clean.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces (about 2/3 slices each) and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3/4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then cut into cubes.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta: While the chicken rests, boil a pot of salted water and cook the 2 cups of pasta according to package directions. Drain once finished.

Step 4: Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the 1 tablespoon of garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of tempered (warmed) half and half. Bring to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and gradually add the 2 cups of shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Fold in the cubed chicken and the chopped bacon. Allow everything to heat through for a minute or two before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta

Cheese Matters: Shred your cheese from a block! Pre-bagged cheese is coated in potato starch, which can make your sauce grainy rather than silky.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick while standing, stir in a splash of extra half and half or a tablespoon of the pasta cooking water.

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2 minutes read