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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

A comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy ranch flavors with tender chicken and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound Penne pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.5 cup Ranch dressing
  • 2 boneless skinless Chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 5 strips Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Garnish

  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour, mixing well to combine. Cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  • Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cream cheese pieces, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
  • Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  • Step 7: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder and paprika before cooking. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a complete meal.