Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce, all baked to perfection. The combination of savory seasonings, melted cheeses, and crispy bacon creates a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Imagine sitting around the dinner table with your loved ones, the aroma of the Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake filling the air. This recipe holds a special place in our hearts as it has become a beloved staple in our family. It all started when my husband took the first bite and his eyes lit up with delight. From that moment on, this dish has been a go-to request for special occasions and cozy family nights. The combination of the ranch-seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy toppings creates a symphony of flavors that always brings smiles to our faces. It’s a recipe that has created lasting memories and is sure to do the same for you.

“Why This Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake Will Be Your New Favorite”

Unique Blend of Flavors: The marriage of ranch seasoning and creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tender Chicken: Succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned with ranch seasoning, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Creamy Ranch Sauce: Our homemade sauce, made with heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, coats the pasta and chicken, providing a rich and luscious texture.

Cheesy Goodness: The combination of shredded Mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a melty, gooey layer of deliciousness to the dish.
Crispy Bacon Toppings: The addition of crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor, taking this pasta bake to new heights.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this irresistible dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients:

10 ounces (283 grams) dried penne pasta
1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning/dressing mix Sauce:
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons ranch seasoning/dressing mix
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 pint (473 ml) heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper Toppings:
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken pieces with ranch seasoning. Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until no longer pink in the center, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Wipe the skillet clean for the next step.
Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and flour, cooking for an additional 30 seconds while whisking constantly.

Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook and stir for one minute or until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted. Season the sauce with black pepper.
Add the drained cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the ranch sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes:

For a healthier version, you can use low-fat or light versions of the heavy whipping cream, butter, and cheese.
Feel free to customize the toppings by adding other favorite ingredients such as sliced cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, or chopped green onions.
This dish reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

10 ounces 283 grams dried penne pasta
1 pound 454 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning/dressing mix Sauce:

2 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning/dressing mix

1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 pint 473 ml heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon black pepper Toppings:
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
4 slices cooked bacon chopped

Fresh chopped parsley optional

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken pieces with ranch seasoning. Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until no longer pink in the center, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Wipe the skillet clean for the next step.

Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and flour, cooking for an additional 30 seconds while whisking constantly.
Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook and stir for one minute or until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted. Season the sauce with black pepper.
Add the drained cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the ranch sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan. Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake: A Cheesy Delight!

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake

Ingredients

Instructions