Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting and indulgent dinner, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a perfect choice. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a gooey, satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Step 4: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
• Cook pasta slightly al dente so it holds up well during baking and doesn’t become mushy.
• Crisp the bacon thoroughly to add satisfying crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
• Try adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• For a spicy twist, mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce or add red pepper flakes.
• Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
• To lighten the dish, use reduced-fat cheese, light ranch dressing, and turkey bacon.
• Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, covered tightly, for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce and cheese well.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly, and customizable dish perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, delivering rich, indulgent flavors with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped

Dairy and Sauce

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until the mixture is evenly coated with the creamy ranch and cheese blend.
3. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, bubbly cheese crust once baked.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden edges.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
• Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds shape and texture during baking.
• Make sure bacon is crispy to add crunch and contrast to the creamy sauce.
• This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months.
• For meal prep, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience.
• Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or spice it up with buffalo or BBQ sauce.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to help the layers set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta bake, chicken pasta casserole, ranch pasta bake, baked pasta recipe, comfort food casserole, cheesy pasta bake, bacon pasta bake