Savor Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with Creamy Cheddar Sauce (Print version)
Creamy cheddar ranch pasta with chicken and bacon, a 30-minute skillet dinner that delivers serious comfort.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken and bacon
01 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
04 -
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
For the pasta and sauce
05 -
12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
06 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed
09 -
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
11 -
Salt and black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 -
Fry in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2 tablespoons fat in the pan.
03 -
Toss chicken with ranch seasoning. Cook in the bacon fat over medium-high until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
04 -
Saute onion and garlic in the skillet until soft, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese and broth, and stir until smooth.
05 -
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar until melted. Add pasta, chicken, and half the bacon. Toss, adding pasta water as needed. Top with remaining bacon and cheese.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy.
02 -
Best with freshly grated block cheddar.