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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and creamy ranch-infused sauce with juicy chicken breast, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection with a golden bubbly top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish & Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make ranch cream sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix, whisking continuously until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add chicken, bacon, and cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and half of both the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the ranch sauce. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the creamy chicken bacon mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Mix everything thoroughly, then transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Add remaining cheese and bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, savory pasta bake.

Notes

  • For crispier bacon, bake the bacon on a wire rack in the oven or pan-fry until extra crispy before crumbling.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat covered to maintain creaminess.
  • Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded helps achieve better melt and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon pasta bake, creamy ranch pasta, baked pasta casserole, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-bake-recipe/