Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Print)
Hearty pasta tossed with chicken, bacon, cheddar, and ranch for a creamy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
6 strips bacon
03 -
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
→ Sauce
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
07 -
2 cups half and half (or single cream, 10–12% fat)
08 -
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
09 -
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
→ Seasonings
10 -
Salt to taste
11 -
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon onion powder
13 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
# Steps:
01 -
In a large non-stick skillet over low heat, cook bacon strips until deeply browned and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel, reserving bacon drippings in the pan. When cooled, roughly chop the bacon.
02 -
Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Increase skillet heat to medium-high and sear chicken in reserved bacon fat until golden and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side. Rest briefly before cutting into cubes.
03 -
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rotini until al dente per package instructions. Drain well.
04 -
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half and half, smoothing out lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened, then add ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 -
Fold drained pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Add cubed chicken and mix gently. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped bacon over top and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Customize by substituting different pasta shapes, cheese varieties, or by incorporating sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
02 -
For gluten-free adaptation, select certified gluten-free pasta and ranch seasoning.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; refresh with a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens.
04 -
Serving alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad enhances contrast and balances the richness of the pasta.
05 -
Cooking bacon and chicken sequentially in the same skillet imparts rich flavor to the meat from the rendered drippings.