Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake (Only 6 Ingredients!)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
383 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake (Only 6 Ingredients!)
Description
This pasta bake starts by cooking chicken breasts in salted water, then shredding the meat. Penne pasta is boiled until al dente and combined with Alfredo sauce and ranch seasoning for a flavorful creamy base. Half of the mozzarella cheese and bacon pieces are mixed in, then everything is transferred to a baking dish and topped with the remaining cheese and bacon. Baking until bubbly melds the flavors and creates a melted cheesy crust.
The combination of ranch seasoning with Alfredo sauce lends a distinct creamy tanginess, while bacon adds smoky crunch. The recipe suggests using any similarly shaped short pasta and mentions that whole wheat pasta can be used to increase fiber content. Topping with fresh green onions adds a mild sharpness and color contrast.
The dish is straightforward with only six main ingredients, making it convenient for busy cooks seeking a satisfying casserole with familiar flavors.
Ingredients
- 8- oz. penne pasta dry
- 1.5 lb. chicken breast boneless
- 1 (1-oz.) ranch seasoning mix dry packet
- 1 (15-oz.) Alfredo sauce light
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, 112g
- 6 pieces Bacon cooked & crumbled*
- green onion for garnishing - optional, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spay a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Add chicken to a large saucepan and cover completely with water. Season with salt to taste. Bring water to a roaring boil (uncovered) then reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for about 12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water and shred on a cutting board with 2 forks.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add pasta and cook for until al dente, about 10 minutes. Then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the alfredo sauce and ranch seasoning mix. Then mix in the chicken, pasta, and half the cheese and bacon. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly across.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and green onions to serve.
Notes
- Center-cut bacon is recommended for its leaner quality.
- Short pasta varieties like elbow or bowtie can substitute penne based on preference.
- Whole wheat pasta can be used to add fiber to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 383 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of bake (250g) | |
| Calories | 383kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7g | 19% |
| Fiber | 1.3g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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