Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, making it a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove from heat.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, and half of each cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan). If you’re adding vegetables, mix them in at this stage.
• Stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for added crunch.

5. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Let the baked penne cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional ranch dressing if desired!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne

1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using leftover rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and mix it in!
2. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
3. Make It Spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
4. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors.
5. Meal Prep: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad: Pair the baked penne with a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Wine: A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the dish well.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne, a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Yield: 6

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne Recipe

Print

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, making it a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil if needed. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, as well as the grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick!