Description

Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored sauce. It’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings. With a lighter twist on the traditional bacon by using turkey bacon, this dish offers a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese ensures the sauce is creamy and indulgent, while short pasta like rotini or penne perfectly holds onto the sauce. This meal is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
6 strips turkey bacon
Salt/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

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside, reserve drippings, and roughly chop the bacon once cooled.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cube after resting.
Boil the Pasta: Cook in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add flour, then gradually add half and half. Stir in ranch seasoning and cheese until smooth.
Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, then chicken, and garnish with bacon. Serve warm.

Notes

Substitute Options: You can substitute pork bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a richer flavor, though it will increase the fat content. You can also use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce turns out thin, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. You can also use some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish. Add them near the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Make-Ahead Tips: This dish can be made ahead of time by preparing the sauce and pasta separately. When ready to serve, simply combine and reheat. Add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the dairy content. If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra cream or milk if needed.