Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 12 ounces rotini pasta
02 - 1 package bacon, diced and cooked
03 - ½ medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
05 - 1 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
10 - 15 ounces Alfredo sauce
11 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need it later.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
03 - Add diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add diced chicken breasts and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
04 - Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown on all sides.
05 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine with the chicken mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with half of the cooked bacon. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
07 - Top with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir gently and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the chicken or it will become dry and tough
02 - Saving bacon grease adds incredible flavor to the chicken
03 - Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
04 - Ranch seasoning gives this dish its signature flavor
05 - This reheats well but may need a splash of milk to loosen the sauce

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