Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
User Reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
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This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a family-friendly meal that's loaded with flavor! It's a comfort dish featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken bites, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy three-cheese ranch sauce.
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked cavatappi
- ½ pound about 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into ½” pieces
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning divided
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 large cloves garlic minced (use more if you really like garlic!)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese divided (I recommend whole milk mozzarella)
- 1½ cups grated parmesan divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional and to taste
- 3 tablespoons sliced green onions optional garnish
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F and lightly grease a 9" x 13” baking dish (a 3 or 4 quart pan will work as well) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi just until al dente, according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp and browned. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon and leave the grease in the pan.
- Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the ranch seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan with the bacon drippings and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is lightly browned – it won’t be fully cooked yet, that’s okay! Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings (no need to wash the pan). Add the diced onion to the drippings and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the garlic and flour. Cook for an additional minute, stirring often.
- Next stir in the milk and cream, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Use a whisk to smooth out any lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbly and just barely thickened. It will thicken much more when the cheese is added.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, 1 cup of the grated parmesan, all of the cheddar, and the remaining tablespoon of ranch seasoning (and the red pepper flakes, if using). Stir until the cheese has completely melted.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pasta, chicken, and bacon.
- Transfer the pasta to the greased baking dish and then sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1
Calories
732kcal
(37%)
Carbohydrates
41g
(14%)
Protein
51g
(102%)
Fat
40g
(62%)
Saturated Fat
22g
(110%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
13g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
177mg
(59%)
Sodium
1168mg
(49%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 732 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 732kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 51g | 102% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g | 76% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 177mg | 59% |
| Sodium | 1168mg | 49% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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