Easy Weeknight Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Need to feed the kiddos in 30 minutes? Look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Easy to make, super filling, and extremely tasty!
Serves: 6
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
  • 1 lb. Chicken Breast, cut into small chunks
  • 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
  • Salt + Pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. Butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
FOR THE CREAMY SPAGHETTI:
  • 1 lb. Spaghetti Noodles
  • 12 Bacon Slices
  • 2 tbsp. Butter
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. Flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 4 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 1 oz. Ranch Seasoning Packet
  • Italian Parsley, for garnish
  • Parmesan Cheese, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Cut chicken breasts into small chunks and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Saute the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with melted butter and olive oil until browned. Internal temperature should be 165F.
  2. While the chicken cooks, crisp the bacon. You can do this by placing the strips on a baking sheet at 400F for 20 - 23 minutes or pan fry the slices in a separate skillet.
  3. Cook spaghetti noodles (or any shape of pasta you prefer) according to packaged directions. Be sure to save 1 cup of starchy pasta water to marry the sauce to the noodles.
  4. Remove chicken chunks from the skillet and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet (there's no need to rinse it) and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and then the milk. While continuing to stir, add the cream cheese and ranch seasoning packet. Continue to whisk until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of pasta water, along with the cooked and drained noodles. Continue to add more water, if desired, until you've reached the consistency you enjoy.
  5. Mix the chicken chunks into the creamy pasta, garnish with crumbled bacon, Italian parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.
Recipe by Slice of Jess at https://sliceofjess.com/easy-weeknight-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta/