Busy moms know how hectic life can get. Between school, work, and juggling family activities, finding time to cook a delicious meal can be a challenge. Chick Bacon Ranch Pasta is here to save the day. This dish brings comfort and flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines cheesy goodness with the delightful crunch of bacon. It’s easy to make and requires minimal prep work. With just a few simple ingredients, you create a meal that feels special but comes together quickly. Fast cook time means you can enjoy a home-cooked dinner on even the busiest nights. This dish satisfies cravings without the fuss.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 6 strips bacon
– Salt/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
Directions
1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
3. Boil the Pasta: Cook in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
4. Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add flour, then gradually add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
5. Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A quick and easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe that combines cheesy goodness with crispy bacon, perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon
- Salt to taste
- 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
- In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
- In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add flour, then gradually add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
- Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.
Notes
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
How to Serve
Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm for a comforting family meal. You can add a side salad or some steamed vegetables to make it a complete dinner. This dish also pairs nicely with garlic bread for extra coziness. If you have leftovers, consider packing them in school lunches for a tasty next-day meal.
How to Store
Leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta stores well in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container, and it should last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave. If you prefer, heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Tips and Variations
– For a lighter option, you can substitute grilled chicken or Shrimp instead of bacon.
– Try adding veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
– Change the cheese to mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
– If you want a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
What is the best pasta to use?
Rotini works well, but you can also use penne or fusilli.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just add pasta and combine when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check the ranch dressing mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Conclusion
If you want a quick meal that nourishes your family, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the perfect solution. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the smiles at dinner time. Be sure to save it for later so you can whip it up again when the week gets busy!
