Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. 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

  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  2. 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

  1. Once the pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. 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!

Print
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake with Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. 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

  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  2. 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

  1. Once the pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. 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

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