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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 141 reviews

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-infused cheese sauce. This easy-to-make meal combines tender rotini pasta with a creamy cheddar and half-and-half sauce, seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a classic, hearty dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips bacon

Cheese and Dairy

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Dry Goods and Seasonings

  • 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bacon: Cook the 6 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with some bacon fat or a little butter, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing or dicing.
  3. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. Make the roux and sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Add the dairy and seasoning: Gradually whisk in 2 cups half and half, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the dry ranch dressing seasoning mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon into the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat well and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken bacon ranch mac hot, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheddar or fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • Rotini pasta is recommended because its twists hold the creamy sauce well, but other small pasta shapes like penne or shells work fine.
  • Adjust the ranch seasoning amount to taste depending on desired flavor intensity.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk and reduce cheese quantity slightly.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-mac-recipe/