Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta (Printable Version)
Savory pasta with chicken, turkey bacon and homemade ranch cream sauce that brings comfort food to a whole new level.
# Ingredients:
→ Dairy & Cheese
01 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
02 -
2 cups half and half
03 -
2 tablespoons butter
→ Proteins
04 -
6 strips turkey bacon
05 -
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Pasta
06 -
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
→ Seasonings & Aromatics
07 -
Salt and pepper to taste
08 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
11 -
2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
→ Pantry Items
12 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
# Steps:
01 -
Cook the turkey bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crisp. Set aside the bacon and reserve the drippings in a small bowl. Wipe the skillet clean. Once cooled, roughly chop the bacon.
02 -
Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then cube to desired size.
03 -
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when finished.
04 -
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Warm the half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then gradually add to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.
05 -
Stir ranch seasoning into the sauce until combined. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands.
06 -
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold into the cheese sauce. Add chicken cubes and heat through. Either stir in the chopped turkey bacon or use it as a garnish on top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Low and slow cooking is best for turkey bacon to achieve optimal crispness.
02 -
If you don't have turkey bacon drippings, olive oil or vegetable oil works well for cooking the chicken.
03 -
Tempering the half and half prevents the sauce from separating when added to the hot roux.