Chicken Ranch Pasta (with Bacon)

As evidenced by the many recipes with "Chicken, Bacon, Ranch" in their titles (as well as all the pasta recipes we have), you can see that we love this yummy combination of food. I wish that I could credit the person that created this recipe, however, I found it in a pin on Pinterest that didn't link back to anything. However, all of the ingredients were right in the title and then I worked through how to make it by myself. SO yummy!

(Side note: We have chicken alfredo rotini on a regular basis at our house, but I loved that this recipe makes it's own white sauce. No need to buy a bottle of alfredo sauce at the store, and the ranch seasoning makes the whole thing so delicious.)

(Side, side note: I decided to call this Chicken Ranch Pasta, with bacon instead of Chicken Bacon Ranch pasta for several reasons. First, we have a TON of recipes that start with Chicken, Bacon, Ranch and so I thought i'd mix it up. Second, this would be just as delicious without the bacon. I know, I know. You don't hear me say that often. But both David and I agree that the bacon is yummy but this recipe can definitely stand on it's own two feet.)

Chicken Ranch Pasta
Source: A pin on pinterest that didn't lead anywhere and had the ingredient list in the comment section. I made up the directions. If you know the original source, please let me know.

Ingredients:

8 ounces penne pasta

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tbsp flour

2 cups milk

2 Tbsp dry Ranch Dressing seasoning mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups cooked chopped chicken

1/3 cup cooked chopped bacon (optional)

Directions: 

Cook and chop chicken. (I usually boil a chicken breast and then chop it because it is super easy. Sometimes if I am really invested - I will defrost, cube, and saute my chicken in a frying pan with a little salt, pepper, onion salt, and garlic salt.) Cook and chop bacon. (I put my bacon on a baking sheet lined with tinfoil at 400 for 15-18 minutes. I love it!) 

Put pasta on to boil. In medium frying pan, melt butter and then add flour. Use a small whisk to remove all clumps (this is called a roux). When clumps are gone add one cup of milk, whisk out clumps, then add the second cup of milk. Continue to heat milk/roux mixture until it starts to thicken. Add Ranch Dressing seasoning mix. Drain pasta, put back into cooking pot and mix in white sauce. Add chicken, bacon, and cheese. Stir together and serve warm. 

So, so, so yummy. Fairly quick and easy. Definitely a crowd pleaser!