Description
This creamy pasta dish combines juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-flavored Alfredo sauce tossed with spiral pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s indulgent, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 tsp butter (for extra crisping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 2 tbsp butter, and set aside.
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels. Chop into small pieces once cooled.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add cream and milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and pepper. Simmer until creamy. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon. Toss to coat.
- Pile pasta high on a serving plate or dish. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg