Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (200 g) bacon lardons or pancetta cubes
• 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
• 3/4 lb (300 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
• 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 1/2 cup (100 ml) light ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light cream cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a...: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Reserve a couple of cups of pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large,...: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven and cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

3. 3

   Lower the heat to medium and add the...: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. When the butter is melted, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden.

4. 4

   Stir in the shallot and garlic and continue...: Stir in the shallot and garlic and continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. When the shallot is translucent, stir in the Italian seasoning mix.

5. 5

   Add the fried bacon and then the white...: Add the fried bacon and then the white wine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.

6. 6

   Stir in the ranch dressing and cream cheese...: Stir in the ranch dressing and cream cheese until melted.

7. 7

   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and...: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss it to cover in sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if it looks too dry.

8. 8

   Season to taste and serve immediately.