Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
lifting up cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta
Print Recipe
4.50 from 60 votes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe

This creamy cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta is made with just a handful of simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 646kcal
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon *
  • 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken **
  • 15 ounces Alfredo sauce 1 jar
  • 4 ounces cream cheese ½ brick; room temperature and cubed
  • ½ cup ranch dressing ***
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with oil or nonstick spray. Set aside.
    ingredients for chicken bacon ranch pasta bake
  • Boil the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon and chop it into pieces.
    1 pound dry penne pasta, 6 slices bacon
    cooked penne pasta in a glass bowl.
  • In a large bowl, add the pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
    2½ cups shredded cooked chicken, 15 ounces Alfredo sauce, 4 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup ranch dressing
    cooked penne topped with shredded chicken, ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, and cream cheese in a glass bowl.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
    spreading ranch and alfredo coated chicken pasta in a baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top of the mixture.
  • Next, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
    2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
    chicken bacon ranch pasta topped with shredded cheese in a baking dish.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
    fresh parsley
    bubbling baked chicken bacon ranch pasta in a baking dish.

Video

Notes

*You could also swap out the bacon for pancetta or prosciutto.
**You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken before beginning the recipe.
***Swap out the ranch dressing for a creamy Italian dressing for a different flavor.
Tips:
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than the bagged stuff!
  • Any short pasta shape will work in this recipe.
  • Feel free to stir in some frozen fresh spinach to add a healthier twist.
  • Make sure your casserole is 165°F internally so it's nice and hot and the chicken is safe to eat.
Make-Ahead: Cook the pasta just below al dente, then fully assemble the casserole as directed, wrap with foil, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Storage: Store chicken bacon ranch pasta bake tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 1129mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 541IU | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 2mg