Creamy Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction
If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese all brought together with a creamy, ranch-flavored sauce, look no further! This Creamy Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake with Bacon and Cheddar is a perfect dinner recipe to please the entire family. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or even a delicious dish for a weekend gathering.

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 16 ounces of penne or rotini pasta
• Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Bacon: 6 strips, cooked and crumbled
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (or 3 tablespoons if homemade)
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
• Milk: 1 cup
• Sour Cream: 1 cup
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 small, finely diced
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Set aside.
3. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
2. Once melted, add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if necessary and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend with the onions and garlic.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and stir until a smooth sauce forms.
4. Add the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and the reserved pasta cooking water. Mix well to combine.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy ranch chicken sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

COOKING NOTE:

• Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature first or bake slightly longer if still chilled.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this creamy pasta bake with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.

Tips:

1. Pasta Choice: While penne and rotini work well, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
2. Cheese Variations: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
3. Protein Options: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time or swap chicken for ground turkey.
4. Extra Vegetables: Add chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake with Bacon and Cheddar is an irresistible dish that blends savory flavors with the creamy goodness of ranch, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a family favorite!

Creamy Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

• Pasta: 16 ounces of penne or rotini pasta
• Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Bacon: 6 strips, cooked and crumbled
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (or 3 tablespoons if homemade)
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
• Milk: 1 cup
• Sour Cream: 1 cup
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 small, finely diced
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Set aside.
3. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
2. Once melted, add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if necessary and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend with the onions and garlic.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and stir until a smooth sauce forms.
4. Add the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and the reserved pasta cooking water. Mix well to combine.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy ranch chicken sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Protein: 38g