Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for optional topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, bow tie, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half (or whole milk), at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside at room temperature. Let bacon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting it into small squares. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss the chicken pieces in flour until evenly coated.
- Cook Bacon and Chicken: In a large pan, heat the bacon over low heat until crispy. Remove bacon and leave 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Add the floured chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
- Prepare Pasta: Meanwhile, boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for one minute. Gradually whisk in the room temperature half and half (or whole milk) until smooth. Slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well coated with the creamy sauce. Turn the heat to low; the sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.
- Crispy Bacon Topping (Optional): Crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the pasta prior to serving. If desired, add an additional 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese on top of the pasta. Bake in an oven-safe skillet at 400°F until the cheese begins to brown. Alternatively, transfer the pasta to a 9 x 13 casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F until crispy on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!
Note: Adjust the seasoning and cheese quantities according to your taste preferences.
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, along with their answers:
Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use various types of pasta such as rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie pasta for this recipe. Choose your favorite shape or whatever you have available in your pantry.
Q2: Can I use whole milk instead of half and half? Yes, you can substitute whole milk for half and half in this recipe. It might alter the creaminess slightly, but it will still work well.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of additional milk to maintain its creaminess.
Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta? While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture of the sauce might change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the bacon, as bacon tends not to freeze well. Freeze the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh bacon as a topping if desired.
Q5: Can I make this recipe without bacon for a vegetarian version? Certainly! You can omit the bacon to create a vegetarian version of this pasta. Alternatively, you can also use vegetarian bacon substitutes or sautéed mushrooms to add a savory element.
Q6: Can I make the ranch seasoning mix from scratch? Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning mix by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preference to create the perfect homemade ranch seasoning.
Q7: Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party? Yes, you can prepare the components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon separately. Store them in the refrigerator in separate containers. Prepare the sauce when you are ready to serve, combine everything, and heat it gently on the stove. This will help maintain the freshness and flavor of the dish.
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with!
