Cooking Steps

• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat, set aside, and pour bacon drippings into a small bowl. Chop bacon once cooled.
• Cut the chicken into thinner slices, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat bacon drippings in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let rest and then cut into cubes.
• Boil salted water and cook the pasta, then drain.
• Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add flour and stir continuously for 1 minute.
• Temper the half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds and add to the skillet, stirring as you go. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce heat to low.
• Add the Ranch seasoning and stir to combine, gradually stir in the cheese until thickened.
• Add the pasta and combine with the sauce, then add the chicken and garnish with bacon before serving.