Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Yep, it's another week and time for another pasta dish for Brad's lunch!

Last night he told me, "You know, I watch all these people at work eat frozen meals and other crap. I love that you take care of me and make me healthy lunches every week. It really means a lot to me and I appreciate you taking the time. All the guys always tell me that is smells so good and that they are jealous. You're such a good wifey!" ***shine*fireworks*glow*** Seriously, the sweetest thing to say. That was a proud wife moment.

Anywho...Brad LOVES, and I mean LOVES chicken bacon ranch anything. I found this recipe from Nikki @ Chef in Training. Um, I love this blog. I hope someday I can have such an extensive array of recipes!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

 

Ingredients:

• 10-12 oz penne wheat pasta
• 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken (*I used 3 chicken breasts)
• 3/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (*I used turkey bacon)
• 1/4 cup butter (*I used light butter)
• 1/4 cup flour (*I used wheat flour) 
• 2 cups heavy cream (*I used skim milk!)
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing (from the bottle)
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:  

1. Cook pasta according to its package's directions. Drain. (I always add a tiny bit of olive oil after I drain it and stir in around so the pasta noodles don't stick together or the pot.)
2. Toss in cooked and chopped chicken as well as cooked and crumbled turkey bacon into the pasta.
3. TO MAKE RANCH ALFREDO SAUCE: Melt butter in saucepan, add flour and stir to combine. Once you have your roux, add heavy cream (or milk) stir constantly until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in Garlic salt, onion powder and ranch dressing until well combined.
4. Pour ranch alfredo over pasta, chicken and bacon. Stir to evenly combine.
5. Add in shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
6. Pour into a casserole pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

This recipe was delicious! I was VERY surprised with how good it was! Happy cooking!