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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with crispy bacon and fresh herbs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A creamy, savory pasta dish filled with chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 630
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Use sharp cheddar for depth.
  • 6 strips bacon Save bacon drippings for searing.
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Slice thinner for quicker cooking.
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (Rotini recommended) Rotini catches sauce nicely.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Melted for sauce preparation.
  • 2 tablespoons flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
  • 2 cups half and half Keeps sauce silky.
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix Adds flavor boost.
  • Salt/Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crispy. Reserve the drippings and chop the bacon once cooled.
  2. Slice the chicken breasts thinner; season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
  1. Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and let rest, then cube.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for one minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the half and half, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Stir in the dry ranch seasoning and cheddar until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Assembly
  1. Toss the pasta in the sauce, add the cubed chicken, and fold in most of the chopped bacon. Garnish with remaining bacon and serve warm.

Notes

For quick assembly, use pre-shredded cheese. If sauce separates, lower heat and whisk in a splash of half-and-half slowly. Try adding chopped parsley or smoked paprika for extra warmth.