This creamy, cheesy pasta bake with crispy bacon has become an often requested dinner, and I make it at least twice a month because it’s just so simple: rotisserie chicken, jarred Alfredo, and 35 minutes is all you need.
My youngest calls it “the yummy pasta” and honestly, after a long day, this is a great, easy choice.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Use a rotisserie chicken here to make your life easier. And jarred Alfredo sauce is fine. No need to make your own. But I do ask that you shred the cheese yourself. It will make it much better.
This makes 8 servings. If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
- 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded – a rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 16 ounce jar alfredo sauce
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
- ¾ cup sour cream (can substitute with ¾ cup of ranch dressing)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded; can also use cheddar cheese)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Step One: Prep Your Oven
Heat your oven to 350℉ and spray a 13×9 dish with cooking spray.
Step Two: Cook Pasta
Cook your pasta according to the package – just drain it when it’s done.
Step Three: Get Your Chicken Ready
If you need to cook chicken, do that now, or grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it up.
Step Four: Mix Everything Together
In a big bowl, mix the pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, ranch packet, and sour cream. Stir it all together until everything’s coated.
Step Five: Assemble the Dish
Dump it in your baking dish and spread it around. Top with the bacon pieces, then the cheese.
Step Six: Bake It
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then sprinkle the green onions on top.
Storing & Serving
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This doesn’t freeze well.
This is almost a complete meal on it’s own!
- A broccoli salad or a Caesar salad would be a fresh side.
- Garlic bread, soft potato rolls, or crusty sourdough rolls would be nice on the side as well.
More Chicken Pasta Dinners
- This chicken taco pasta bake is my most requested dinner from the kids.
- Smoky and creamy chicken pasta tastes like it came from a restaurant.
- Chicken and spinach pasta all comes together in one pan.
Printable Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
- 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded – a rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 16 ounce jar alfredo sauce
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
- ¾ cup sour cream (can substitute with ¾ cup of ranch dressing)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded; can also use cheddar cheese)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
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Instructions
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). While heating the oven, spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken. If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook and shred 2 cups of chicken breast. A rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this step.
- Mix the base. Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, ranch seasoning, and sour cream (or ranch dressing if substituted) in a large mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
- Assemble the dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure it's an even layer.
- Bake the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The edges should be slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp finish.
Notes
Nutrition
Love,
yummy