Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch sauce. This meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of ingredients packs a flavorful punch, turning an ordinary pasta dish into a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 650
• Protein: 36 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fat: 37 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 850 mg

Why Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a fantastic choice for those seeking a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish’s creamy sauce, packed with ranch seasoning, complements perfectly the crispy bacon and juicy chicken. It is satisfying and comforting, delivering a burst of flavor in each bite. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, allowing you to whip up an exciting meal in no time!

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:

### Step 1: Cooking the Bacon

In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Once fully cooked, set the bacon aside but reserve the drippings in the skillet. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before roughly chopping it into pieces.

### Step 2: Preparing the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces for quicker cooking. 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. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cubing it into bite-sized pieces.

### Step 3: Boiling the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

### Step 4: Making the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the half and half, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

### Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, followed by the diced chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy ranch sauce. Finally, garnish with the chopped bacon and serve warm.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top as a garnish. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy date night at home.

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• Cook the bacon slowly to ensure it gets nice and crispy without burning.
• Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• Feel free to use other pasta shapes, like penne or bowtie, if you prefer.
• Adjust the ranch seasoning to your taste; if you love ranch, don’t hesitate to add extra!

Delicious Variations

• Veggie-packed version: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even cooking and safety.

2. What other cheeses can I use instead of cheddar?

Monterey Jack or mozzarella also work beautifully in this dish, creating a delightful creamy texture.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the ingredients ahead and combine them just before serving to keep the pasta fresh.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cream alternative. Adjust the flavors to your liking.

5. How do I enhance the taste of the sauce?

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that boasts rich flavors and creamy texture, perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it invites you to experiment with your favorite ingredients while delivering comfort in every bite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your family and friends with this fantastic dish! Enjoy cooking and let the flavors shine!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delightful dish combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside but reserve the drippings in the skillet. Chop bacon into pieces.
2. Slice the chicken breasts thinly and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings until golden and cooked through. Let rest and cube.
3. Bring salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a roux. Gradually add half and half, whisking until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Add cooked pasta and diced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped bacon and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg