CHICKEN BACON RANCH

SALAD

A family favorite that’s loaded with ranch seasoning and bacon!

1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta 6 strips bacon 4 Tbsp butter 1 small yellow onion 2 tsp minced garlic 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2½ Tbsp ranch seasoning mix  ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 3 cups half and half 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese  3 cups shredded cooked chicken

INGREDIENTS

Cook and crumble the bacon. Set aside for later. Cook the pasta according to the box directions. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander (do not rinse it), and reserve it for later.

In a large skillet pan, over medium heat, add the butter and diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent and the butter has melted; about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until very fragrant.

Add the flour, ranch seasoning mix, salt and pepper into the skillet pan. Use a silicone coated whisk to whisk until it forms a smooth and a thick paste.

Slowly pour in the half and half, while whisking constantly, and mix well.

Turn the heat up to medium-high and let the mixture simmer, while stirring frequently, until it starts to lightly boil around the edges of the pan and it has thickened.

Once thickened, turn the heat off, and add in handfuls of the shredded cheese and mix thoroughly after each one.

Stir in the cooked bacon (reserve some for the topping if wanted), cooked pasta, and cooked chicken until well combined.