There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty pasta bake that brings together the beloved flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms everyday ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
I created this recipe on a chilly Sunday evening when I was craving something warm and satisfying that would also provide leftovers for busy weekdays ahead. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon bits, and al dente pasta coated in a creamy ranch sauce has since become a regular request in my household. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks but impressive enough to serve to guests!
Why I Love These
This pasta bake perfectly balances creamy, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds.
It’s incredibly versatile and forgiving, allowing me to use whatever pasta shape or cheese I have on hand without compromising the delicious end result.
I make this whenever I need a guaranteed dinner win that satisfies both adults and picky eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How To Make
- Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Boil the penne to al dente according to package instructions. While pasta cooks, fry the bacon until crispy and chop into pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, cream cheese cubes, and ranch dressing. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top, then cover with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a protein-rich dish that provides a substantial amount of energy, making it perfect for active individuals or growing families. The chicken delivers lean protein while the dairy components offer calcium and vitamin D.
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella. You can also increase the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to incorporate more vitamins and fiber.
This dish contains gluten (from pasta) and dairy (from cheese and cream products). For a gluten-free option, simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Unfortunately, the dairy components are essential to the dish’s character, though dairy-free alternatives exist for those with lactose intolerance.
Tips & Variations
- Prep this dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked; just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- For a buffalo twist, add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the cream mixture and top with blue cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
Ways To Serve Them
- With a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- With garlic bread or crusty French bread for sopping up the creamy sauce
- For a complete meal, serve with a light tomato cucumber salad and a glass of crisp white wine for adults
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Allow the pasta bake to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavor often improves after a day as ingredients meld together.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual servings in plastic wrap then aluminum foil. Label with the date and contents.
- Reheat: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to revive the sauce if it seems dry. Microwave individual portions on 70% power, stirring halfway through, until hot (about 2-3 minutes).
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Directions