WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Pasta
Array/5
COOK TIME
20 min
TOTAL TIME
35 min
SERVINGS
6-8 servings
I’m pretty sure one of my top 10 favorite types of dishes is a baked pasta dish. This one also has bacon, so it just jumped to a top 3.
This recipe came together, like a lot of my dinner recipes, when I have things I need to use up. I thawed chicken without a plan, as I do occasionally . Okay, a lot. Then I had an opened ranch powder packet and some bacon I cooked at the beginning of the week. Plus I had pasta, we always have pasta. Lots of things happening.
I made my base creamy sauce that I use for a lot of amazing dishes and it all went from there. And then baked it in a very midwest fashion. (Technically you don’t have to bake it, but I like that baked pasta dish that all comes together.)
This is a perfect recipe for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday family dinner. My kind of cooking.
Check out the recipe below and let me know what you think!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Pasta
Creamy sauce seasoned with ranch mixed with chicken, cheese, pasta and bacon. An easy dish filled with flavor that you will definitely make again and again.
Ingredients
10 ounces penne pasta, cooked to al dente
1 pound boneless, chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1-inch pieces
1 Tablespoon ranch powder dressing mix
Sauce:
2 Tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons ranch powder dressing mix
1/2 Tablespoon flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
1 cup Mozzarella cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and then set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until done. Drain and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into about 1 inch pieces, Sprinkle the ranch powder over top the chicken to cover.
- In a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray, cook chicken until cooked all the way through until no longer pink. Once cooked, put on a separate plate and set aside.
- Wipe the skillet out, then add butter to the skillet on medium -high heat.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Then add the flour and ranch powder and whisk together. Cook for another minute or so.
- Slowly add in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and then remove from the heat. Add the parmesan cheese and pepper then stir until melted.
- Add back in the cooked chicken plus cooked pasta. Stir until all is mixed and combined.
- Add the creamy chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon and the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is all melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and serve! Great with a side of bread or a salad. Enjoy!
Notes
– Great with toasted bread or a salad as a side.
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3 Responses
This is a new favorite! It was easy to make and I was able to make in advance and refrigerate then just pop in the oven after work and delicious!
This recipe was delicious! Kids loved it, and it was so easy to make. Wish there was a lighter version but it’s a very good occasional indulgence dinner.
So happy you liked it! Thank you!