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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Chicken bacon ranch pasta is a comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of bacon and ranch with the heartiness of chicken and pasta. I whip this up often when I need an easy, filling meal that satisfies my family’s appetites and cravings. It’s one of those recipes that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy Sunday dinner. Plus, who wouldn’t love the creamy, cheesy goodness this dish offers?
Why You’ll Love Making It
Why does chicken bacon ranch pasta deserve a spot on your dining table? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can whip it up any day of the week without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic option for families and budget-conscious cooks. The rich, tangy ranch flavors coupled with crispy bacon make it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
But don’t just take my word for it. A family friend recently said, “This dish is like a hug in a bowl! Every bite is packed with flavor, and it’s so easy to make.” If you’re looking for something that can transition seamlessly from casual weeknight dinners to more festive occasions, this is the dish for you!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Making chicken bacon ranch pasta is simple and rewarding, and it can even be broken down into easy-to-follow steps. First, you’ll prepare the ingredients, then you’ll cook the bacon and chicken, followed by boiling the pasta, and finally creating a delicious sauce to combine everything. Let’s make this process even smoother – here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- You’ll start with some easy prep work.
- Next, you’ll cook the bacon, giving you delicious drippings for flavor.
- Sear the chicken to perfection.
- Boil the pasta until just right.
- Finally, craft a creamy ranch sauce to bring everything together.
Everything You Need for This Recipe
To make this delightful dish, gather the following 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 rotini pasta (recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Feel free to swap in a different cheese if cheddar isn’t your favorite, or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist!
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Cooking Steps
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Set it aside when done, but don’t discard those savory drippings just yet!
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts thinly and season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear these in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. Let them rest before cutting them into cubes.
- Boil the Pasta: In boiling salted water, cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic. Add the flour and stir, gradually pouring in the half and half. Mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese until you have a smooth sauce.
- Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, fold in the chicken, and garnish with the crispy bacon. Serve this masterpiece warm!
Tips for Serving
This chicken bacon ranch pasta is best served warm, but it’s also delicious as leftovers! To elevate your dining experience, consider serving it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of chives or parsley on top can add a fresh touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon could provide an exciting contrast to the rich flavors.
Best Way to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Storing this dish is straightforward. If you have leftovers (which is highly likely!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. If you want to freeze it, portion it out in freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for the best flavor. Remember, whenever storing foods, always practice safe food handling guidelines!
Pro Chef Tips
To take your chicken bacon ranch pasta to the next level, consider marinating your chicken in ranch dressing for extra flavor. For a creamier sauce, you can add cream cheese along with the half and half. And, if you have it on hand, use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresh, vibrant taste!
Creative Twists
Don’t be afraid to give this dish your own flair! Try adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional profile. If you’re a fan of spice, consider tossing in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For a lighter meal, swap out the pasta for quinoa or zucchini noodles!
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
With about 10 minutes of prep and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in less than 45 minutes.
Can I substitute the half and half?
Absolutely! You can use whole milk for a lighter option, or a combination of cream and milk if you want to maintain a rich texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! Just be sure it’s cooled completely before freezing in airtight containers. Remember to label them with the date.
Chicken bacon ranch pasta isn’t just food; it’s comfort on a plate! Make the recipe yours, and watch it become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining the earthy flavors of bacon and ranch with chicken and pasta, perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 rotini pasta
- 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 until crispy. Set aside and reserve drippings.
- Slice the chicken breasts thinly and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest and cube.
- Boil salted water and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add flour and gradually pour in half and half. Mix in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, fold in chicken, and garnish with crispy bacon. Serve warm.
Notes
Best served warm but also delicious as leftovers. Consider serving with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, bacon, ranch, comfort food, easy dinners
