Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)
Chicken, bacon, and ranch sauce blend in a creamy pasta for a rich, satisfying, comforting weeknight meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
02 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Pasta
03 -
2 cups uncooked rotini or penne pasta
→ Dairy
04 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 -
1 cup half and half
06 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
07 -
2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Other
12 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
13 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place bacon strips in a large skillet over low heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. Cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve drippings in the skillet.
02 -
Season sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken pieces to the reserved bacon drippings. Sear each side until lightly golden and fully cooked, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
03 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
04 -
Melt butter in the original skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a pale roux. Gradually whisk in half and half. When mixture begins to thicken after about 3–4 minutes, add ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth.
05 -
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Return seared chicken to the skillet, mixing to distribute evenly. Chop reserved bacon and sprinkle over the finished dish before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Cook bacon over low heat to maximize flavor and crispness, and use its drippings to enhance the chicken’s savoriness.
02 -
For optimal sauce texture, add cheese gradually and avoid overheating to prevent curdling.