Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s that glorious dish of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake, where cheesy goodness meets crispy bacon in a symphony of flavors. The aroma wafts through the house like a warm hug from your favorite aunt, making it impossible to resist. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have everyone gathering around the table, forks at the ready.

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Imagine pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, the cheese all melty and golden, as you hear the delightful sizzle of bacon. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. skillet pasta with ricotta This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake will have your taste buds dancing and your heart singing! So grab your apron; let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bites. It was an instant hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I love using penne for its ability to hold sauce.
• Crispy Bacon: Nothing beats that crunchy texture! Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Thick And Chewy Cookies recipe.
• Ranch Dressing: The star of the show! Homemade or store-bought works—just ensure it’s creamy.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Green Onions: These add freshness and a pop of color to your baked masterpiece. baked sesame ginger salmon.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those amazing flavors!
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth and aroma that makes this dish irresistible. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Olive Oil: Needed for cooking the chicken until perfectly golden brown.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Get Ready!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray. This will help everything come out easily later.

Cook the Pasta!: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you work your magic!

Sauté the Chicken!: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through—about 8-10 minutes. Caprese chicken skillet Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra zing.

Add Bacon!: While chicken cooks, fry up those glorious bacon strips in another pan until crispy. Let them cool slightly before crumbling them into pieces that will sprinkle joy throughout your bake.

Combine Everything!: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with sautéed chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, half of the cheddar cheese, and some green onions. Stir until everything is coated in creamy goodness!

Bake It Up!: Transfer your mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!

Enjoy each cheesy bite of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with family or friends—it’s pure comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first; while it cooks, sauté the chicken and bacon together until crispy. Then, mix everything with sauce and cheese before baking until bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. You can also swap regular pasta for whole grain or gluten-free varieties if preferred.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

There was a time I made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake for a potluck, and it vanished within minutes! Friends were begging for the recipe, proving that comfort food really does bring people together. mini chicken quesadillas.

FAQ

Can I make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and bake just before serving.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but mozzarella also melts beautifully.

Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier to prepare.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

When it comes to comfort food, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake steals the show! This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all enveloped in gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. With easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns any meal into a celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced chicken until browned and cooked through (8-10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Fry bacon in another pan until crispy; crumble into pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, half of the cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix well.
6. Transfer mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg