Creamy chicken pasta with bacon, cheddar, and ranch, offering a comforting, flavorful dish for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
→ Main Components
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 strips bacon
2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie)
→ Sauce and Seasonings
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups half and half or whole milk
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
Shred cheddar cheese and let it sit at room temperature to ensure smooth melting.
Let bacon rest at room temperature for 5 minutes, then cut into squares using kitchen scissors.
Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add bacon and cook slowly, turning occasionally for even crisping. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the skillet.
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss chicken in flour to coat evenly.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
Add minced garlic to the skillet with reserved drippings. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
Warm the half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds. Gradually whisk into the skillet with garlic, blending thoroughly.
Slowly whisk in shredded cheddar and ranch seasoning mix, stirring frequently until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat with sauce evenly.
Reduce heat to low. Allow sauce to thicken briefly. Crumble cooked bacon and sprinkle over pasta before plating.
Notes
- Warming cheese to room temperature prevents clumping and promotes creamy blending in the sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Kitchen scissors
- Whisk
- Microwave-safe container
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
- Contains milk, cheese, and wheat (gluten).
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
