Description
A quick and incredibly creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety ranch cheese sauce, ready in just 30 minutes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or penne/fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Remove, drain on paper towels, chop, and reserve the drippings.
- Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch thick pieces. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then cube.
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in half and half to avoid lumps. Stir in ranch seasoning and shredded cheese, mixing for 3-5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the drained pasta, cubed chicken, and chopped bacon into the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve warm.
Notes
- Gradually add the half and half to the roux to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting for efficient cooking.
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding to the sauce for easier melting.
- Add a splash of milk or half and half when reheating leftovers to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg