why make this recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce. It’s simple to prepare and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe brings comfort food to a new level, making it a favorite among family and friends.
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. Once cooled, set it aside, reserve the drippings, and chop the bacon roughly.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the seasoned chicken in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, let it rest and then cube the chicken.
Boil the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add flour to create a roux, then gradually stir in half and half. Mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, then stir in the cubed chicken. Garnish with the chopped bacon, and serve warm.
how to serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm on a plate or in a bowl. You can sprinkle extra cheese or bacon on top for added flavor. A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish.
how to store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
To store any leftovers, place the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a little extra cream or milk to help rejuvenate the sauce.
tips to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Make sure to cook the bacon slowly for the best crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more spices if you like a stronger flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist!
variation
For a lighter version of this dish, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute the pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options, and use a low-fat version of half and half.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe to save time.
2. What type of pasta should I use?
Rotini is recommended because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and combine them when you are ready to serve. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some sauce, so you might want to add a bit of liquid when reheating.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (Use your favorite cheese for a unique flavor.)
- 6 strips bacon (Cook until crispy.)
- to taste Salt/Pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (Slice into thinner pieces.)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended) (Any pasta can be used.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (For making the roux.)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half (Can use low-fat version.)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
Cooking the Bacon
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
- Once cooled, set it aside, reserve the drippings, and chop the bacon roughly.
Preparing the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces.
- Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the seasoned chicken in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it rest and then cube the chicken.
Boiling the Pasta
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta once it’s cooked.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic.
- Add flour to create a roux, then gradually stir in half and half.
- Mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Combining All Ingredients
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, then stir in the cubed chicken.
- Garnish with the chopped bacon, and serve warm.
