Description
This luscious pasta brings together crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty ranch sauce, all coated on your favorite noodles. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—ideal for weeknight family meals or laid-back dinner parties. With tangy ranch, melted cheddar, and savory bacon bits in every forkful, each mouthful is pure comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 2 cups dry pasta (rotini or penne work great)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half or light cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold, large skillet. Turn heat to low and let them crisp slowly. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate and reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan. Once cool, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into ½-inch strips. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the bacon-fat skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a board, let rest briefly, then dice.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil the pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Whip Up the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Sprinkle in the flour and stir into a paste. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, blending until the mixture thickens. Stir in the ranch seasoning and then fold in the cheddar cheese until the sauce is silky.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the drained pasta and chopped chicken back to the skillet. Gently toss to coat every noodle. Finally, sprinkle in the bacon pieces and give it one last stir.
- Serve: Dish out warm, garnished with extra cheddar or a crack of fresh pepper if desired.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- One-Pan Flavor: Cooking both bacon and chicken in the same skillet layers the smoky taste throughout the dish.
- Pasta Swaps: Fusilli, farfalle, or cavatappi all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in cooked peas, broccoli florets, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: Use GF pasta and ranch mix, and swap cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives (note: texture may vary).
- Leftover Love: Store sealed in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner