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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