Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Printable Version)
Hearty pasta coated in creamy ranch, chicken, and bacon delivers rich, savory flavors for a comforting meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
6 strips bacon
03 -
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
→ Sauce and Seasoning
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 -
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
07 -
2 cups half and half
08 -
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
09 -
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
10 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
11 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 -
Salt, to taste
13 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large skillet over low heat, cook bacon strips until crisp. Remove and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Once cooled, chop roughly and set aside. Reserve bacon drippings in skillet.
02 -
Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thinner fillets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to medium-high and sear chicken in reserved bacon drippings until golden and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. Allow chicken to rest, then cube.
03 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute more. Gradually whisk in half and half until smooth and thickened. Incorporate ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
05 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Gently fold in cubed chicken. Top with crispy chopped bacon and serve immediately while hot.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
This dish is highly adaptable—substitute different pasta shapes, alternate cheese varieties, or add vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
02 -
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify your ranch seasoning is free from gluten.
03 -
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If the sauce thickens when reheated, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
04 -
For best flavor, cook the bacon and chicken in the same skillet, allowing the chicken to absorb smoky notes from the rendered bacon fat.
05 -
Serve with lightly roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the creamy pasta.