Creamy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta
This decadent and flavorful Creamy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! Bursting with savory bacon and tangy ranch flavors, this dish combines tender chicken pieces and al dente pasta in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. This dish is inspired by a classic Better Homes and Gardens recipe and truly elevates the concept of comfort food.
4
Servings
600
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
mostaccioli pasta
1 lb
bacon
6 slices (diced)
butter
1 tablespoon
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (cut into bite-size pieces)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1/2 ounce)
milk
2 cups
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and keep it warm.
2
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Keep one tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
3
3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, and then add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until they are tender, no longer pink in the center, and lightly browned.
4
4. Evenly sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the cooked chicken, stirring constantly to coat the chicken well. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to stir. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thickened and bubbly.
5
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon pieces. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
6. Toss the cooked pasta together with the creamy chicken sauce until well coated. Serve the pasta on plates, garnishing each serving with the remaining bacon pieces sprinkled on top.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
65g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta?
This is a decadent comfort food dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta tossed in a luscious cheddar cheese and ranch-flavored sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of mostaccioli pasta, but penne or ziti can be used as alternatives.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of bacon drippings, butter, flour, ranch dressing mix, milk, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 6 slices of bacon, which should be diced and cooked until crisp.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, but chicken thighs could be used if preferred.
Is there a specific ranch mix to use?
Use one 1/2 ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix.
What type of cheese provides the best flavor?
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its strong, tangy flavor that complements the ranch and bacon.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 28g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25g of fat per serving in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 65g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to keep the bacon grease?
Yes, you should reserve one tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet to cook the chicken for added flavor.
How do I prepare the chicken for this pasta?
The chicken should be cut into bite-size pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking all-purpose flour and ranch mix into the chicken and fat, then gradually adding milk.
Can I substitute the milk?
While the recipe calls for 2 cups of milk, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or a milk alternative, though the flavor may vary.
When should I add the bacon back into the dish?
Half of the bacon is stirred into the cheese sauce, and the remaining half is used as a garnish on top.
How long do I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken until it is tender, no longer pink in the center, and lightly browned.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight recipe and a family dinner, indicating it is suitable for regular evening preparation.
How do I ensure the cheese melts smoothly?
Stir the shredded cheddar into the thickened, bubbly milk mixture and continue to stir until it is completely melted.
What seasonings are needed?
Beyond the ranch dressing mix, you only need salt and pepper to taste.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, peas or steamed broccoli would pair well with the cheddar ranch flavor profile.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic Better Homes and Gardens recipe.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be thick, bubbly, and smooth once the cheese has fully melted.
How do I finish the dish for serving?
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken sauce until well coated before plating.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded sharp cheddar often melts more easily than pre-bagged varieties.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional information provided does not list a significant amount of fiber.
How do I keep the pasta warm?
After draining the pasta, return it to the pot and cover it to keep it warm while you finish the sauce.