Ranch-seasoned cheesy elbow macaroni is topped with ranch-seasoned chicken and crumbled bacon in this Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese. This pasta recipe is sure to have ranch flavor in every bite! For another tasty chicken and pasta recipe, try my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells.
MACARONI WITH CHICKEN RANCH AND CHEESE
We enjoy our ranch dressing in the Midwest! In fact, I have my own homemade ranch flavor blend and ranch dressing that would be great in this recipe. The ranch flavor complements the chicken well, and when combined with the cheesy pasta, it creates a dish that ranch fans will like!
RECIPE FOR CHICKEN RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe is divided into two parts: the seasoned chicken and the macaroni and cheese.
You should have your pasta cooked al dente and drained ahead of time, as well as your bacon cooked and crumbled.
I like not to incorporate the chicken and bacon into the macaroni and cheese. I tried this recipe multiple times by combining all of the ingredients and discovered that it wasn’t as tasty; the cheesy macaroni drowns out the excellent ranch chicken. I recommend serving as pictured and allowing the family to mix the items in their own bowl if they want.
Ingredients
2 tbsp of olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 package (approximately 3 tablespoons) seasoning ranch style
CHEESE AND MACARONI
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warmed whole milk
1 teaspoon sea salt
a quarter teaspoon garlic powder
2 tbsp. dry ranch seasoning
1/2 cup freshly grated white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese 8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
4 cooked and crumbled bacon strips
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
CHICKEN FROM THE RANCH
Combine the chicken and ranch seasoning in a large mixing basin. To coat evenly, toss.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken in batches once the oil is heated. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side (or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F). To keep warm, remove from the fire and tent with aluminum foil.
Wipe the skillet clean before adding the macaroni and cheese.
CHEESE AND MACARONI
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
Remove from the heat and slowly drizzle in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
Return the pan to the heat and stir for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
Combine the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning in a mixing bowl. Remove from heat after stirring to mix.
Stir in the cheeses to melt.
Place the cooked noodles on top of the sauce. To blend, stir everything together.
Season with salt and pepper before topping with the chicken, bacon, and parsley.
ENJOY!
