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.