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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Danielle Dunn
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • .75 lb penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 5 strips of bacon
  • 3 garlic cloves minced or diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp dried chives
  • 1/4 cup bacon fat from cooked bacon
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese pearls
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • seasoning of choice for chicken I use salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika
  • fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Using meat mallet or skillet, pound chicken to flattened and tenderize it. Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix tablespoon of garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives and dried parsley. Set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to instructions on package.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until done. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1/4 cup of bacon fat, and leave the rest in the skillet. If not using a nonstick skillet, you may need to add a little oil if not enough bacon fat was left. Add chicken to skillet, and cook on both sides until an internal temperature of 165 is reached, approximately 5 minutes on each side.
  • While chicken is cooking heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon fat, then mix in flour. Stir or whisk until a creamy roux is formed.
  • Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer, and stir until cream cheese starts to melt. Mix in chicken broth, garlic, seasoning mixture and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 - 7 minutes, stirring or whisking occasionally. Taste sauce and add salt if needed. Turn heat down to low.
  • Add mozzarella cheese pearls, and stir until cheese melts. Toss cooked pasta in sauce, then top with chicken and bacon. Garnish with optional parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Use a non-stick skillet for bacon and chicken if you have one on hand, but it is not required.
While chicken is cooking, use a lid. This will ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly.  This is also optional, but is recommended because sometimes chicken breasts are very thick.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!