Introduction
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake combines everything delicious: tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and a luscious extra layer of cheddar and mozzarella that melts into a golden crust. Perfect for family dinners, this pasta bake is a comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any crowd. With a creamy, savory sauce and a cheesy, crispy topping, this dish delivers hearty flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir to blend all the seasonings into the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta into the bowl with the sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, covering the entire surface for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pasta
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.
Cooking Note
- This dish is flexible with pasta shapes; try it with rotini, ziti, or even farfalle.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well to save time.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing according to your preference for a lighter or creamier consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
- Pair it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta bake.
- A cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine (like Chardonnay) can complement the flavors.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a hint of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Make it ahead by assembling the pasta bake, covering it with foil, and storing it in the fridge. Bake within 24 hours.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle bread crumbs on top along with the cheese for a crispier texture.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 35 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings):
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 780mg
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust is a true comfort food classic. With layers of creamy ranch flavor, smoky bacon, and a crunchy, cheesy topping, it’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a gathering, this bake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser with its easy preparation and rich flavors. Try it for your next weeknight meal or a weekend feast, and watch it become a household favorite!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir to blend all the seasonings into the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta into the bowl with the sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, covering the entire surface for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pasta
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 25g