Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Print Recipe

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken bacon ranch pasta bake, chicken pasta bake, dinners to make with rotisserie chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 405kcal

Author: Katie

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.

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