Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet #InternationalBaconDay

Ok, so Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta salad is a delicious summertime staple, whether you buy it at the grocery store or make it yourself (note to self: umm…get on that).  So why not make a tasty, quick, one skillet dinner version? 

Especially when it’s International Bacon Day?  Heyo! Why not indeed?

This was also one of those “I took chicken out of the freezer this morning, now what?” moments when I walked into the kitchen at 5:00 with no plan whatsoever.

I tossed the chicken in the pan to start cooking and started rooting through the refrigerator.  When I came across some leftover bacon (don’t ask me how leftover bacon managed to happen – I have no idea), an idea started forming and Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Skillet is where it ended up about a half hour later!

And guys, my kids were practically fighting over the leftovers the next day!  And I can assure you, that means this is one fantastic recipe!

Bacon Corn Pizza from Caroline’s Cooking

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus from A Day In The Life On The Farm

Barbecue, Bacon, & Cheddar Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Tip Garden

Broccoli Bacon Salad from Feeding Big

Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet from Amy’s Cooking Adventure

Hot German Potato Salad with Bacon from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice

Pasta Carbonara Torte from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Roast Beef, Ham and Bacon Club Sandwich from Family Around The Table

Surprise Biscuits from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Warm Bacon Gruyere Dip with Caramelized Onion and Chive from Bear & Bug Eats

Wilted Lettuce Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing from Palatable Pastime

Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Skillet

4 slices thick cut bacon, cut in ½-inch pieces

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in 1-inch pieces

12 oz whole wheat rotini

4 cups chicken broth

½ tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried parsley                                      

4 oz cream cheese

¼ cup ranch dressing

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper

Heat a large skillet to medium heat.  Add the bacon and cook until crisp.  Remove cooked bacon and set aside on a paper-towel lined plate.  Drain off most of the drippings.

Add the chicken to the remaining drippings and cook until lightly browned on one side.

Add the pasta, chicken broth, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.  Cook for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender and most (not all) of the liquid has been absorbed. 

Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.  Stir in the ranch dressing, parmesan, and bacon pieces.  Cook until the sauce is thickened.  Add salt and pepper, to taste.  Top with fresh chives and serve.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet #InternationalBaconDay

by Amy's Cooking Adventures September-1-2017

Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet #InternationalBaconDay

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken
• 12 ounces whole wheat rotini
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove cooked bacon and set aside on a paper-towel lined plate. Drain off most of the drippings.Add the chicken to the remaining drippings and cook until lightly browned on one side.Add the pasta, chicken broth, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender and most (not all) of the liquid has been absorbed. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the ranch dressing, parmesan, and bacon pieces. Cook until the sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with fresh chives and serve.

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 6 servings