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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

2. Prepare the Bacon

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

3. Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Whisk in the ranch seasoning mix and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  4. If the sauce is too thin, whisk in the flour and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine the Ingredients

  1. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  2. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

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