Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

6 strips 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

Directions

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.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 552 kcal per serving