Description
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an irresistible comfort food dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce, all enveloping hearty pasta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this one-pan wonder offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s quick to prepare in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With the ability to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, this dish is not only satisfying but also versatile. Serve it warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that pleases all palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet on low heat until crisp. Reserve drippings and chop the bacon.
- Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in reserved bacon drippings until golden brown; cube once rested.
- Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente; drain.
- In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then whisk in flour. Gradually add half and half while stirring until smooth. Mix in ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine drained pasta and cubed chicken with the sauce. Toss gently to coat before topping with chopped bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg