Earthstone Soap Company

FOOD FRIDAY:  30 Minute Meals

I'm all about a delicious, flavorful meal that does NOT take all day to make or a laundry list of ingredients.

Just looking at this recipe makes my mouth water!!

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing together make up one of my favorite culinary trifectas. In this creamy, flavorful pasta dish, they're combined in a cheesy sauce for a quick and delicious dinner. And judging by the way my boys gobble it up, it's definitely kid-approved!


Ingredients

1 lb mostaccioli or other short pasta
6 strips bacon, diced
1 Tbsp butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; drain, return to pot, and keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the reserved bacon drippings, then add the chicken to the same skillet. Cook until tender, no longer pink, and slightly browned.

4. Sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the milk, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon; cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

5. Serve each plate of pasta with more bacon sprinkled over the top. Green onions would also be a delicious topping.

Enjoy!!