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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is an easy dinner idea that you can make on the stovetop or bake as a casserole!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 552 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • microwave
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 strips bacon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta I used rotini
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat. Set aside and pour bacon drippings into a small bowl. Carefully wipe the skillet clean. Roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into thinner slices. Pat dry and season each side with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Set aside and let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into cubes.
  • Boil salted water and cook the pasta. Drain once finished.
  • Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 more minute.
  • Temper the half and half by heating in the microwave for 40 seconds. Add it to the skillet in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
  • Add the ranch seasoning and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the cheese.
  • Add the pasta to the skillet and carefully combine with the sauce. Add the chicken and allow it to heat back up. Garnish with bacon or stir into the sauce and serve!

Notes

Pro Tips: Heavy cream can be used instead of half and half. Shred cheese from a block for better melting. Thick cut bacon will produce more drippings. Any kind of pasta can be used. Add frozen mixed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 552kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 34gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 893mgPotassium: 525mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 758IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 375mgIron: 1mg
Keyword casserole, cheesy, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, Creamy, easy dinner idea, Pasta
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