Description
A delightful dish combining savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce mixed with pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended)
- 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 leave drippings in the skillet.
- Slice and season chicken breasts, then sear in bacon drippings until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Let rest before cubing.
- Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, then gradually add half and half to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and cubed chicken into the skillet, mix until well combined, and garnish with chopped bacon before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, use turkey bacon. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, bacon, ranch, comfort food, dinner