Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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

Instructions

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.

Enjoy!