Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta ((cooked according to package instructions and drained)); 2 cups chicken breast ((cooked and shredded)); 1 16 ounce jar alfredo sauce; 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning; ¾ cup sour cream; 6 slices bacon ((cooked and chopped)); 2 cups mozzarella cheese ((shredded)); 2 green onions ((sliced for garnish))

This chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food – warm, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy, plus it has BACON in it!

With just 35 minutes total time and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Don’t forget to top it off with fresh green onions for a pop of color and crunch.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Serving Size servings

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)
1 16 ounce jar alfredo sauce
1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
¾ cup sour cream
6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
2 green onions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

Prep. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). While heating the oven, spray a 13 x 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 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

Even though the ranch seasoning and alfredo sauce already have lots of flavor, you can adjust the taste by adding salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to your liking.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own mozzarella will give you a creamier, more even melt.

To evenly distribute bacon flavor, sprinkle some chopped bacon in the middle of the pasta mix before adding the final layer on top. This makes sure bacon in every bite!

You can also add veggies like spinach or broccoli to the mix before baking for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to lightly cook or steam them first to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

More Tips:

To prevent the pasta from overcooking, make sure to cook it slightly firm according to the package instructions. It will continue to cook and absorb the sauce when baked, so cooking it a bit less initially will help maintain the right texture.

Keep an eye on the pasta bake during the final stages of baking, as oven temperatures may vary. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown but not burned.

After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve clean slices.

For a quick option, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to provide the shredded chicken for the recipe. It will add extra flavor and help reduce preparation time.

plate of penne pasta with ranch and bacon topping

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, broccoli salad, soft potato rolls, crusty sourdough rolls, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans.

Key Ingredients and Tools

To make sure your pasta turns out great, here are a few essential items and ingredients you’ll need:

Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: This is a convenient option for shredded chicken, saving you time and adding extra flavor.
Alfredo Sauce: A good-quality jarred Alfredo sauce is essential for the creamy base of this dish, but you can make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
Ranch Seasoning Packet: This seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor that’s crucial to the recipe. While it’s usually available in the salad dressing aisle, some smaller stores might not carry it. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by mixing dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Grating fresh mozzarella makes sure a smooth melt and rich flavor, better than pre-shredded versions. Look for it in the specialty cheese section.

Having these items ready will help you prepare this dish quickly and easily with delicious results every time.

You can make these simple changes to the recipe:

Sour Cream: Instead of sour cream, use ¾ cup of ranch dressing for a tangier flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Swap mozzarella cheese with cheddar or a combination of both for a richer taste.
Penne Pasta: Substitute penne pasta with fusilli, rotini, or elbow macaroni for a similar texture.
Bacon: Use turkey bacon as a leaner option instead of bacon.

These changes might make the dish turn out slightly different, but feel free to experiment and find your favorite version!

Storage Instructions

Place the cooled pasta bake in an airtight container or divide it into individual portions using smaller containers. This will help preserve the dish’s freshness and flavors. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

It’s important to note that this particular recipe may not freeze well due to the alfredo sauce and sour cream. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when frozen and then thawed. If you still want to try freezing the dish, store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, you’ve got to try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake. It’s perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake: Easy Weeknight Dinner in 35 Minutes