Description
A hearty and creamy pasta dish featuring crispy bacon and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, reserving the drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then cube.
- Cook the Rotini in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Gradually stir in flour, then whisk in the half and half. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cheese until blended and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, fold in the chicken, and garnish generously with bacon. Serve warm.
Notes
This dish can be customized with different pasta shapes or cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg