Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts; 6 strips bacon; 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups half and half; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 2 tbsp dry ranch dressing seasoning mix; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is one of those recipes that brings together all the flavors and textures you could ever crave. Imagine tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta all in one dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gatherings where you’re looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. What makes this dish even more special is its ability to turn everyday ingredients into a comforting meal that everyone will ask for again and again.

Why You’ll Love Making It

The beauty of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta lies not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, this appealing dish can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. It’s a budget-friendly option that promises to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that you’ll feel your kitchen skills are on par with the pros!

“I made this for the family last week, and everyone went back for seconds! It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-good.”

Preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s set some expectations. This dish involves cooking bacon to crispy perfection, sautéing chicken until it’s tender and juicy, boiling pasta just right, and creating a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce that brings everything together. If you follow these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready that feels special yet is surprisingly straightforward.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta a reality:

2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 strips bacon
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (regular pasta works too)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups half and half
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

You can easily swap the chicken for turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian variation!

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Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp. Once cooked, set them aside, reserving the drippings. Let the bacon cool before chopping it into pieces.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Let the chicken rest before cubing it.
Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, then whisk in the flour. Gradually add the half and half, stirring continuously until you have a smooth sauce. Stir in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and is creamy.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce, mixing well to coat all the ingredients. Finally, garnish the dish with the chopped bacon.
Serve Warm: Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta while it’s still warm!

Tips for Serving

To enhance your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For a little extra crunch and flavor, top your dish with some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Best Way to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

If you have leftovers (if that even happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider slightly undercooking the pasta to prevent it from turning mushy when reheated.

Pro Chef Tips

When cooking the chicken, let it rest before cutting to keep it juicy.
For a creamier texture, stir in a little extra half and half as needed.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Gouda or pepper jack can add a lovely twist.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to amp up your nutrition. Want it spicier? Toss in some jalapeños or use a spicy ranch seasoning mix. For a cleanse, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or a gluten-free pasta option.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation and cooking should take about 30 minutes total.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended, any pasta shape you have will work just fine.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the dish before adding cheese. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Whether you’re a busy parent, an aspiring chef, or just someone in need of a comforting meal, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is your go-to solution. Give it a try, and let your taste buds be your guide!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 strips bacon
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups half and half
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp. Set aside and reserve the drippings.
Slice the chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, and sear in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Let chicken rest before cubing.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain.
Melt the butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then whisk in flour. Gradually add half and half, stirring until smooth. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce, mixing well. Garnish with chopped bacon.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for turkey or tofu. To enhance the dish, consider adding a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, bacon, comfort food, quick dinner