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Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake
5 from 129 votes

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake combines tender pieces of chicken with penne pasta enveloped in a creamy ranch sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. The dish is finished with a golden mozzarella and bacon topping, adding a smoky crunch. This bake is a comforting meal option that brings together the herbal notes of ranch seasoning with cheesy, creamy textures, making it substantial for a family dinner or leftovers. Cooking the sauce in the same skillet used for chicken allows the flavors to concentrate.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Course: Main Course, Dinner, Others
Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces penne pasta dried
  • 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut in 1-inch pieces
  • 1 Tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
Ranch Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons butter salted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 4 lices Bacon chopped, cooked
  • parsley optional, fresh chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
  2. Season chicken pieces with ranch seasoning. Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray.
  3. Cook chicken in prepared skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink in center; about 10 to 12 minutes. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a large plate. Tent with foil to keep warm. Carefully wipe skillet clean so you can cook the sauce in it.
Ranch Sauce
  1. Add butter to skillet and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add garlic and stir until fragrant; about 1 minute. Whisk in ranch seasoning and flour. Cook for 30 seconds whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in heavy whipping cream. Continue to cook and stir for one minute or until mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it completely melts. Season sauce with pepper.
  2. Add drained cooked pasta and cooked chicken to ranch sauce in skillet. Stir to combine. Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Toppings
  1. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F. oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe yields enough to serve between 4 and 6 people, making it suitable for family meals or small gatherings.