This cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is going to become your go-to dinner! Tender pasta, bacon, ranch powder and shredded chicken all smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce and baked until cheesy and gooey.
If you love the combination of chicken bacon and Ranch, try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas!
CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA
Make this simple chicken bacon Ranch pasta bake for an easy dinner. Tender pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, ranch powder and cheese smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce, then baked to perfection. This creamy pasta bake makes for a great weeknight dinner that is ready in minutes!
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Pasta– This recipe uses penne pasta, but you can use any short or long pasta you prefer! Elbow pasta, ziti, fusilli, cavatappi, linguine, angel hair, fettuccine, or any other pastas you prefer.
- Bacon– Use freshly cooked bacon bits, check our 4 methods to cook bacon perfectly every time! If you want to leave out the bacon, you totally can.
- Chicken– This casserole uses shredded chicken; either homemade shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used. You can also swap for sliced or cubed chicken that is sauteed, air fryer, or grilled chicken.
- Alfredo Sauce– Your preferred canned Alfredo sauce recipe can be used! Brands like Rao’s, Classico, or Ragus work great. You can also make homemade Alfredo sauce.
- Ranch– For the best results, you want to use ranch powder.
- Flavor– To season this dish, we just salt and pepper because the Ranch powder and Alfredo are already seasoned. If you want, you can add any other seasonings you prefer. For a bit of spice, I like to add red pepper flakes to this pasta dish.
- Cheese– Whatever shredded cheese you have on hand will work! Either Colby jack, mozzarella, Mexican blend, or mild cheddar. I love using shredded Mozzarella cheese for this pasta bake!
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN BACON RANCH CASSEROLE
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo Pasta can be ready in under 30 minutes!
- In a casserole dish, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, and seasonings and mix to combine.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce into the casserole dish and mix again to combine.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake until cheese has melted, and sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve with desired sides.
STOVETOP CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA-
If you don’t want to bake this Alfredo Pasta, just make it on the stovetop like all my other pastas!
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Strain the pasta and add it back to the pot.
- Add the shredded chicken, bacon, seasonings and Alfredo sauce to the pot and cook on medium high heat until the sauce is heated.
- Turn off the heat and top with shredded cheese and close the lid to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve warm with desired sides.
PASTA VARIATIONS
There are so many ways you can elevate this creamy pasta dish! Add more than just the shredded chicken and bacon! Here are some great things to add to your dish:
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Diced tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
SERVING IDEAS
Pair this cheesy chicken bacon pasta with the right sides for the ultimate dinner no matter the occasion! Here are some great sides to enjoy this pasta with:
- Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Bread
- Olive Garden Salad
- Greek Salad
- Breadsticks
- Cheesy Bread
- Pickles
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
No, you want to use either homemade shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use regular chicken, like the air fryer chicken if you don’t want to use shredded chicken.
Yes, you can substitute the chicken for shrimp, ground Italian sausage, or even steak!
If you prefer to use homemade alfredo sauce, you can make your own or try my classic Alfredo sauce from the classic chicken alfredo pasta recipe.
Once the pasta is cooled, store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days! Be sure to cover the pasta to avoid it from drying out.
I do not recommend freezing this dish.
You can reheat this in the microwave, on the stovetop, or add the casserole back into the oven until reheated. Add a splash of milk and cheese when reheating to have gooey and cheesy pasta.
This recipe comes together so quickly, there is not much prep. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can cook the bacon and prepare your shredded chicken 1-2 days ahead of time. When ready to serve just cook the pasta, assemble and bake.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta al dente
- 8 oz bacon chopped and cooked
- 15 oz alfredo sauce 1 jar
- 2 ½ Tbsp ranch seasoning 1 oz package
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 8 oz
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella shredded cheese
- chopped greens optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the casserole dish along with the shredded chicken, bacon bits, salt, pepper, Ranch powder, and Alfredo sauce.
- Mix until well combined and then top with shredded cheese and extra bacon bits.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-22 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and if desired top with freshly chopped greens.
- Serve warm with desired sides.
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