Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful comfort food that combines creamy flavors with savory ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family. If you’re looking for more tasty recipes that feature chicken and bacon, you might enjoy trying out chicken bacon ranch chicken salad as well!
why make this recipe
This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also brings together some of the best flavors: chicken, bacon, and ranch. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making each bite rich and satisfying. Moreover, it’s an easy way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your family’s meal without a lot of fuss.
how to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, then season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. After resting, cube the chicken.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour, then gradually stir in the half and half. Finally, mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, add the chicken, and garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve warm.
If you’re fond of pasta recipes and want to explore more options, consider making chicken bacon ranch pizza.
how to serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm, garnished with additional bacon bits or shredded cheese if desired. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until warmed through, but keep in mind the sauce may thicken slightly.
tips to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you like a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
variation
You can create variations of this dish by substituting the chicken with shrimp or using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish even more exciting.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be a great substitute if you prefer a lighter option.
What kind of pasta works best?
Rotini is recommended since its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use any type of pasta you have on hand.
Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
If you’re looking for another delicious recipe, check out bacon-wrapped garlic parmesan chicken.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into thinner pieces
- 6 strips bacon cooked until crisp
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt/Pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Bacon
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Preparing the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, then season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. After resting, cube the chicken.
Boiling the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic.
- Add the flour, then gradually stir in the half and half.
- Finally, mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, add the chicken, and garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve warm.
