Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with cheesy, creamy pasta and juicy bites of seasoned chicken with a golden crust from being seared in bacon drippings. The bacon adds a nice crunch and delicious flavor. Make this with any kind of pasta you have on hand, you can even swipe out the chicken for some smoked sausage! Frozen vegetables are an easy addition to complete the meal along with some Garlic Bread with Cheese. Ready to make it?!
How to Make It
*See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. Cook the bacon over low heat until crispy on each side. Roughly chop and set aside. Reserve bacon drippings in a small bowl. Wipe the skillet clean and add 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings. Slice the chicken into thinner slices, pat dry, and season each side. Sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. (Do this in batches if needed.) Set aside and let rest for at least 5 minutes prior to cutting into pieces of desired size.
Melt butter in the same skillet and heat garlic for 1 minute. Add the flour and use a silicone spatula to stir for 1 more minute. Add half and half in splashes, stirring as you do so. Bring it to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
Add the Ranch seasoning and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the cheese until smooth. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon. Serve.
Pro Tips
Heavy cream can be used instead of half and half. If possible, shred the cheese from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese as it will melt and taste much better. I use Cracker Barrel Sharp Yellow Cheese in this recipe. Thick Cut bacon will produce more drippings for you to cook the chicken in. Leftover chicken can also be used in this recipe. Any kind of pasta can be used for this recipe, I prefer Rotini as it clings onto this sauce really well. Penne, Bowtie Pasta, Cavatappi, or Cellentani all work well too. Sliced smoked sausage would make a nice addition to this meal instead of chicken. Frozen mixed vegetables can be added to make it a complete meal as well. Garlic Bread with Cheese makes a great side dish!
Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. I do find that this pasta freezes well.
Casserole Method
Prepare recipe as outlined, be sure to cook the pasta until just al dente. Transfer to a 9 x 13 casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet). Top with 1.5 cups additional shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
Make Ahead Method
Cook pasta for 1 minute less than al dente, follow all other instructions as outlined. Transfer to a 9 x 13 casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet). Top with 1.5 cups additional shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake (covered) at 350° for 40 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 5 more minutes.
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14-inch oven-safe nonstick pan. Perfect for preparing this recipe without having to transfer it to a casserole dish. 9 x 13 inch casserole dish– an Alternative baking vessel that’s the perfect size for most casseroles. Silicone Spatula– Makes it easy to gently incorporate the pasta into the sauce without breaking the noodles. Kitchen Tongs– Makes it easy to handle the bacon and chicken while cooking.
