Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Course
Main Course, Dinner, Others
Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
Description
This recipe starts with a homemade Alfredo sauce prepared by whisking flour with heavy cream and milk, then melting in butter and cream cheese. The sauce is thickened with the flour mixture and finished with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a rich, creamy texture. Penne pasta is cooked al dente and combined with shredded or chopped chicken, the Alfredo sauce, and ranch dressing to add tang and seasoning.
The mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with chopped cooked bacon and mozzarella cheese, then baked uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly with melted cheese topping. The dish balances the creamy sauce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and mild ranch flavors to create a satisfying pasta bake.
It can be served as a main course for dinner and pairs well with simple green salads or steamed vegetables to balance richness. The use of ranch dressing in the pasta mix adds a distinct flavor that distinguishes it from standard Alfredo penne bakes.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole milk)
- 3/4 cup butter salted
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 pound chicken breast chopped or shredded (A rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe, cooked
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 6 lices Bacon chopped, cooked
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly grated
- parsley optional, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Alfredo Sauce
- In a small bowl combine flour, heavy whipping cream and milk. Whisk until smooth and combined. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, add butter and cream cheese. Stir with a whisk until both are melted.
- Slowly add in flour/milk mixture to saucepan. Continue to whisk until mixture starts to thicken. This takes a few minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder until sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of water until al dente. Drain water and return pasta to pot. Add the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, and ranch dressing. Carefully stir to combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish; spreading out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until hot, bubbly and cheese is melted. Carefully remove from oven. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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