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- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Cheddar Cheese
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, bow tie, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups half and half (or substitute whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred the Cheddar Cheese: First, shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside at room temperature to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Prepare the Bacon: Meanwhile, let the bacon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before frying. Afterward, cut the bacon into smaller squares using kitchen scissors.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook Slowly: Next, heat a large skillet over low heat and add the bacon. Cook slowly, turning it over as it begins to curl, to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, leave 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan for added flavor.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Then, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss the chicken pieces in flour to coat them evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: After preparing the chicken, add it to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside until ready to combine with the sauce.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute. Then, temper the half and half by heating it in the microwave for 40 seconds. Gradually whisk it into the skillet. Slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and dry ranch dressing seasoning mix, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Mix Everything Together: Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce continue to thicken as it stands.
- Garnish: Before serving, crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over the pasta if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
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