Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Creamy ranch pasta with savory bacon and juicy chicken makes a hearty comfort meal.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Dairy
01 -
240 g cheddar cheese, shredded
02 -
480 ml half and half
→ Meat
03 -
6 strips bacon
04 -
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Pasta
05 -
210 g uncooked rotini pasta
→ Seasonings
06 -
Salt, to taste
07 -
Black pepper, to taste
08 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 -
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
→ Other
11 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 -
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
# How to Prepare:
01 -
In a large skillet over low heat, cook bacon strips until crisp. Transfer to a plate and reserve the rendered drippings in the skillet. Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.
02 -
Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Increase skillet heat to medium-high and sear chicken in the reserved bacon drippings until golden brown and fully cooked. Let rest briefly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
03 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
04 -
In the bacon skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle over all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in half and half, whisking steadily to prevent lumps. Add ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 -
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Gently fold in diced chicken pieces. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped bacon. Serve immediately while hot.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
This dish is ideal for customization: switch pasta shapes, substitute different cheeses, or incorporate sautéed vegetables for added nutrition.
02 -
For a gluten-free version, select certified gluten-free pasta and ranch seasoning.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
04 -
Cooking both bacon and chicken in the same skillet deepens flavors by utilizing residual bacon drippings.
05 -
Balance the richness by pairing with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad.