Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for Creamy Weeknights Tonight
A rich, savory pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a ranch-inspired cheese sauce. Balanced textures and comfort flavors make this a quick weeknight staple using pantry-friendly ingredients and halal-friendly substitutes.
Ingredients
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips turkey bacon (halal-friendly) or vegetarian bacon substitute
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, grated fresh)
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano and basil blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in half and half until smooth. Let simmer gently.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, onion powder, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper (adjusting for cheese saltiness). Shred cooked chicken and add to sauce.
- Crisp turkey bacon separately until browned, then mix into the sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with remaining cheddar cheese and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute penaline or fusilli for rotini pasta
Use half lactose-free milk or whole milk for lighter sauce
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra fiber
Crisp bacon in advance and store in freeze until assembling
Let sauce simmer 5 minutes to deepen ranch flavor
Use half lactose-free milk or whole milk for lighter sauce
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra fiber
Crisp bacon in advance and store in freeze until assembling
Let sauce simmer 5 minutes to deepen ranch flavor
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!