Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake, a creamy and cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. This crowd-pleaser is topped with gooey melted cheese and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its irresistible taste and easy preparation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), diced
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet with some drippings, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, half of both cheese types, and half of the green onions; mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish (9×13 inches) and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute turkey for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese.