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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich homemade ranch cheese sauce tossed with rotini pasta. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Dairy

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Pantry & Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 6 strips of bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop into small pieces. Reserve some bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with bacon grease, cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the ranch cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups half and half, ensuring no lumps form. Add 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, around 3-5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon into the ranch cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Dish out the creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta onto plates or bowls and enjoy immediately for a hearty comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, use milk instead of half and half, but the sauce will be less creamy.
  • Keep an eye on the sauce to avoid burning; cook over medium heat and stir frequently.
  • Ranch seasoning can be adjusted based on taste preference or substituted with fresh herbs.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, creamy pasta recipe, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe/