Enjoy the rich combination of melted cheddar, savory bacon, and seasoned chicken tossed with pasta in a smooth, ranch-flavored sauce. This quick and satisfying dish is a perfect weeknight meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesTotal time
35
minutesChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfect comfort food!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons flour
6 strips bacon
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, bow tie, etc.)
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 cups half and half (can substitute whole milk)
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Directions
- Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside at room temperature to allow it to melt smoothly.
- Let the bacon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before frying. Cut the bacon into smaller squares using kitchen scissors.
- Heat a large skillet over low heat and add the bacon. Cook slowly, turning it over as it begins to curl, to ensure even cooking. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Toss the chicken pieces in 3 tablespoons of flour.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute.
- Temper the half and half by heating it in the microwave for 40 seconds. Gradually whisk it into the skillet.
- Slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and dry ranch dressing seasoning mix, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta.
- Turn the heat to low. The sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.
- Crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces if desired and sprinkle it over the pasta before serving.