Description
A hearty and satisfying pasta dish featuring chicken, beef bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips beef bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini is highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the beef bacon: In the same skillet, cook beef bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the ranch sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in half and half until thickened. Stir in ranch seasoning, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Melt cheese and finish sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in minced garlic and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and crumbled beef bacon to the skillet with the ranch sauce. Gently toss to coat everything. Heat through for a minute or two.
- Serve immediately, optionally with extra cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Beef Beef Bacon Pasta Ranch