Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Here’s a detailed Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, ingredient breakdown, and tips for variations.

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🧀 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

🍽️ Servings: 6–8

⏱️ Total Time: ~45 minutes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

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📝 Ingredients

Pasta:

• 12 oz (about 4 cups) penne pasta or rotini

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  (Use rotisserie chicken, grilled, or leftover baked chicken)

• 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for creamier texture)

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil water with salt and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions.

• Drain and set aside.

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3. Cook the Bacon

• In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy.

• Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

• Once cool, crumble or chop into pieces.

• Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet (optional for added flavor).

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4. Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce

• In the same skillet or saucepan:

  1. Melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (creating a roux).

  3. Slowly whisk in milk (or milk + cream), stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

  4. Stir in ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

  6. Stir until melted and smooth.

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5. Combine Everything

• In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish:

  • Combine cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon (reserve a little for topping), and the ranch cheese sauce.

  • Mix until everything is evenly coated.

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6. Assemble the Bake

• Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Top with remaining cheese and reserved bacon bits.

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7. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

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8. Garnish and Serve

• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

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🔄 Variations & Tips

Add-Ins:

• Veggies: Broccoli, peas, spinach, or diced tomatoes.

• Spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

• Protein Switch: Use turkey bacon or sausage.

Make Ahead:

• Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• When ready, let sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Freezing:

• Let cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 20–30 minutes.