Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce for a delicious, comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts Sliced into thinner pieces
- 6 strips bacon Cooked until crispy
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce
- 1 cup half-and-half For creaminess
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning Key flavor ingredient
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or your choice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter For the sauce base
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crispy. Set aside and reserve the drippings.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken in the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to rest before cubing.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the flour to form a roux, whisking continuously. Gradually incorporate the half-and-half, stirring until thickened.
- Mix in the ranch seasoning and cheese, stirring until fully melted.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked penne pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. Top with chopped bacon and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure not to overcook the pasta. Feel free to add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. Adjust seasonings according to taste.