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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A creamy, savory pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken, cheddar cheese, and crispy halal bacon, perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Use freshly shredded for better melting.
  • 6 strips halal turkey bacon (or halal beef bacon), roughly chopped after cooking Ensure bacon is labeled halal.
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts Slice horizontally to cook evenly.
  • 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta Rotini holds sauce well.
  • 2 tablespoons butter For making the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced About 2–3 cloves.
  • 2 cups half and half Can substitute with whole milk plus extra butter.
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

Cook the Halal Bacon

  • In a large skillet over low to medium-low heat, cook the halal bacon until crisp and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve some drippings in the skillet.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Sear the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then cube or slice.

Boil the Pasta

  • Bring salted water to a boil, add rotini, and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining.

Make the Ranch-Cheddar Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  • Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add half and half, stirring until smooth.
  • Simmer and allow to thicken, then stir in ranch dressing mix and cheddar cheese until smooth.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, then fold in the chicken.
  • Serve warm, garnished with crispy bacon.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk. Can also freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Keyword Cheddar, Chicken, Comfort Food, Pasta, Ranch
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