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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake, a delicious and comforting casserole dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce.

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a delectable comfort food dish featuring a perfectly balanced creamy sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, making it an irresistible family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • whisk
  • colander
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk the mixture until well blended and smooth.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked penne, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, create a stable emulsion by slowly tempering the dairy products and gradually incorporating the cheese. The higher proportion of heavy cream will result in a richer, more indulgent sauce, while the milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency. The addition of ranch seasoning adds a depth of flavor that complements the chicken and bacon perfectly.