Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
833 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Description
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake involves cooking penne pasta to al dente then mixing it with a homemade ranch-flavored cheese sauce. This sauce is prepared by whisking butter, garlic, flour, and milk with cream cheese, onion powder, ranch dressing, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The poultry component uses cooked, shredded chicken, which with crispy bacon adds a savory and smoky contrast.
Baking the combined ingredients in a 9x13-inch dish at 350°F lets the cheese melt thoroughly and the pasta absorb some sauce. The topping of mozzarella and fresh parsley adds a colorful finish and mild herb note. This casserole can serve as a main dish suitable for casual dinners and offers a comforting texture combining creamy sauce and tender pasta with bits of meat.
Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken speeds up prep, and baking bacon separately while preparing the sauce and pasta optimizes timing. Adjusting the sauce consistency with milk allows control over creaminess.
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save preparation time.Bacon can be baked in the oven simultaneously while the sauce and pasta cook for efficiency.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 chicken breast cooked and shredded, boneless skinless
- 5 trips Bacon cooked and crumbled
- parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the inside of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. (The pasta will cook a little more in the oven.) Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the ranch sauce. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter, and once melted add in the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add flour and whisk to combine. Let cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk so you don't get any lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the cream cheese, onion powder, and some salt and pepper to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted.
- Add ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Whisk until cheese is melted. (If the sauce gets too thick, add a little milk until your desired consistency is reached.)
- To the cooked pasta, add in the shredded chicken. Pour ranch sauce over the pasta and chicken and stir to coat. Add half of the bacon to the pasta and stir to combine.
- Transfer pasta to your prepared baking dish. Spread into an even layer. Top pasta with remaining mozzarella and remaining chopped bacon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve warm topped with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save preparation time.
- Bacon can be baked in the oven simultaneously while the sauce and pasta cook for efficiency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 833 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 833kcal | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 22% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1315mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 522mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 906IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 449mg | 45% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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