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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

A comforting and creamy pasta bake loaded with chicken, bacon, and gooey cheese that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta Can be swapped for bowties.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced Rotisserie chicken works great.
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Feel free to use more bacon if desired.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Use high-quality cheese for the best result.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar adds a kick.
  • 2 cups heavy cream Don't skimp on the cream!
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix Hidden Valley or your favorite brand.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) For garnish.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste Use high-quality salt if possible.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until combined and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and half of both cheeses until melted and creamy.
  4. Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken bacon mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping with remaining cheeses.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use a good non-stick pan for the sauce to minimize sticking. This dish pairs well with a side salad for balance, though it's often ignored. Add crushed red pepper flakes for more spice.