Name: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne noodles; 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup; 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup; 1 ½ cups milk; 1 oz ranch dip mix; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup real bacon bits; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoon real bacon bits

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If there’s ever been a dish that captures the ultimate cozy comfort food trifecta — cheesy, savory, and irresistibly creamy — it’s Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta. Imagine forkfuls of tender pasta wrapped in a luscious, ranch-kissed cheese sauce, studded with juicy chicken and the smoky crunch of real bacon bits. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with after a busy day or serve to a hungry crowd, knowing that every bite delivers those classic flavors that make you sigh with satisfaction. This Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta recipe is like a warm hug on a plate — and it’s about to become a major favorite in your home.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of common ingredients, you can make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta at home without any fuss. Each one brings something special, from creamy texture to big, bold taste, creating a harmony that’s totally crave-worthy.

Penne noodles: Their tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, guaranteeing maximum flavor in every bite.
Condensed cheddar cheese soup: This soup brings major cheesy richness and helps the sauce stay ultra-creamy.
Condensed cream of bacon soup: Adds a layer of savory, smoky depth that really makes this pasta stand out.
Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough to coat the pasta without making it heavy.
Ranch dip mix: Provides that unbeatable tangy, herby kick crucial for the ranch flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the savory notes.
Pepper: Adds a little warmth and complexity to the dish.
Cooked, shredded chicken: Makes the meal hearty and filling, and it’s a perfect way to use up leftover chicken.
Real bacon bits: Tiny pops of smoky crunch that elevate every forkful.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection inside and forms a gorgeous bubbling topping.
Extra topping cheese and bacon: Sprinkled on top for irresistible color, crunch, and that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne noodles according to the package directions. You’ll want them al dente, so they hold up well as everything bakes together. Drain them well — you’re one step closer to cheesy goodness!

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of bacon soup, milk, ranch dip mix, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully combined. This magic mixture forms the base of your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta and guarantees silky-smooth bites every time.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Add the drained penne noodles to the bowl with the sauce and stir until every noodle is beautifully coated. Next, fold in the cooked, shredded chicken, bacon bits, and some of the shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t hold back — you want every bit of pasta surrounded by savory, cheesy deliciousness.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and pour in your pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon bits all over the top for that irresistible golden-brown finish. Slide it into a preheated oven at 400F and bake for about 22-25 minutes, until bubbly and starting to brown at the edges.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

After baking, let your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta sit for a few minutes. This short wait lets the sauce thicken a bit and makes serving a breeze. Grab a big spoon, scoop out generous portions, and get ready for eager smiles all around!

How to Serve Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar and green onions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. The final touch of bacon bits adds extra crunch and irresistible flavor, making your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta look and taste even better.

Side Dishes

Keep things classic by serving your pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or round out the meal with simple steamed veggies like broccoli. A thick slice of garlic bread is never out of place, ready to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the pasta into individual ramekins for mini servings, perfect for a party or gathering. Alternatively, serve it family-style from the baking dish for a hearty, homey touch — or drizzle with a little ranch for a decadent finish that turns this Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen, making the next meal even richer.

Freezing

You can freeze portions by spooning cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture; this ensures the cheese sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake in a 350F oven until warmed through, or microwave in individual servings. If the sauce thickens, stir in a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is fantastic, rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work just as well, holding onto that creamy sauce and keeping every bite delicious.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can swap out whole milk for low-fat milk, use reduced-fat soups, and opt for a light ranch mix if you’d like. The result will still be wonderfully satisfying with a slightly lighter touch.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe! It’s tender, flavorful, and makes prep even faster, helping Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta come together in a flash.

What if I don’t have real bacon bits?

If you’re out of bacon bits, cook up a few slices of bacon until crisp, then crumble and use in place of the store-bought version. Fresh-cooked bacon delivers unbeatable taste and texture!

Can this dish be made ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! You can assemble the pasta up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta from scratch and sharing it with those you love. Every gooey, cheesy, bacon-filled bite delivers classic comfort with a punch of bold flavor. Give it a try — your dinner table is about to get a whole lot happier!

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning with tender chicken and pasta. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F. Cook penne according to the directions on the package. Drain.
Pour the cheddar soup, cream of bacon soup, milk, ranch dip mix, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until all of the ingredients are fully combined.
Add the cooked penne noodles to the bowl. Stir until all of the noodles are coated in the soup mixture.
Add the shredded chicken, bacon bits, and shredded cheese to the mixing bowl. Stir well.
Dump the pasta into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits on top.
Place the dish in the oven and bake the pasta until it is bubbling and the cheese is starting to brown around the edges, about 22-25 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven and let the pasta sit for a few minutes before scooping and serving.

Notes

This dish can be customized with additional vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American