Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A creamy pasta dish combining savory chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
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 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
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside, reserving drippings.
- Prepare the chicken by slicing breasts, seasoning, and searing in reserved drippings over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side. Cube the chicken once cooked through.
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, then drain.
- Make the sauce in the same skillet by melting butter, sautéing garlic, then adding flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in half and half, stirring until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheddar until creamy.
- Combine the cooked rotini with the sauce and diced chicken, tossing gently to coat. Garnish with chopped bacon and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled mushrooms or cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg