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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, and a rich homemade ranch cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Bacon

  • 6 strips bacon
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings (from cooked bacon) or olive/vegetable oil

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Place bacon strips in a large skillet over low heat and cook slowly until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel. Pour out bacon drippings into a small bowl. Wipe the skillet clean carefully.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner slices. Pat dry and season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings (or oil) over medium-high heat in the skillet. Sear chicken slices 3-4 minutes per side until a golden brown crust forms and fully cooked. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  4. Boil the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in flour continuously for 1 more minute to create a roux. Warm half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then slowly add to skillet in splashes while stirring. Bring mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Season and Add Cheese: Stir in dry ranch dressing seasoning mix until combined. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and melted. The sauce will thicken further as it stands.
  7. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bacon: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently fold to coat evenly. Add cubed chicken and mix to reheat. Garnish with chopped crispy bacon or stir it directly into the sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Cooking bacon slowly over low heat prevents burning and creates crispy texture.
  • Ensure chicken is patted dry for better searing and browning.
  • Using bacon drippings for searing adds extra flavor; olive or vegetable oil can be used alternatively.
  • Tempering the half and half by warming prevents lumps in the sauce.
  • Gradually add cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Letting the sauce stand thickens it to perfect creamy consistency before serving.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe/