Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect dish! Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy ranch sauce, this recipe is pure indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 strips Bacon
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Uncooked pasta (I used rotini)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Half and half
- 2 tablespoons Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat (cooking slowly ensures crispiness).
- Once cooked, set the bacon aside and pour the bacon drippings into a small bowl. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Roughly chop the bacon once it has cooled.
- Slice the chicken breasts into 2–3 thinner pieces each (they’ll plump up while cooking).
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings (or olive/vegetable oil) in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate to rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- While the chicken rests, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- The butter should be melted over medium heat in the same skillet. Garlic should be sautéed for one minute.
- Add the flour and stir continuously with a silicone spatula for 1 more minute.
- Warm the half-and-half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then gradually add it to the skillet, stirring constantly.
- After bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, turn the heat down to low.
- Stir in the Ranch seasoning, then gradually add the cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. (The sauce will thicken as it sits.)
- Cooked pasta should be added to the skillet and tossed to ensure that it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the chicken cubes and let them warm through.
- Garnish with the chopped bacon or mix it into the sauce. Serve immediately!