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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

This rich, comforting Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta blends tender chicken, crisp bacon, and rotini pasta with a creamy ranch-seasoned cheese sauce. Easy and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks—ready in under an hour!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or other short pasta)

For the Chicken

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Bacon

  • 6 strips bacon

For the Sauce

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a large skillet over low heat. Cook until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp. Remove bacon from skillet; set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, chop into rough pieces. Reserve bacon drippings in the skillet.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally or pound to create thinner pieces for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sear chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
  3. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the skillet (add butter if needed), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the half and half, whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese sauce is smooth and thickened.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Fold in the cubed chicken, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Top with chopped bacon and give it a final gentle stir. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for an even faster weeknight meal.
  • To make this vegetarian, skip the bacon and use a meatless ranch seasoning blend.
  • Swap half and half with whole milk for a lighter sauce, or use heavy cream for a richer one.
  • Try using Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner, ranch pasta, comfort food, family meal

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