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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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A cozy comfort food classic, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 6 strips 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 recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of starchy pasta water.
  2. Add the bacon strips to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving some bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook in the same skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the half and half, whisking to avoid lumps. Let thicken for 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in the ranch seasoning, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon into the sauce, gently mixing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with extra cheddar cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta, Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://thecomfortspoon.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta/