Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs (skin on); 250 g bacon (diced); 500 g pasta (penne or rigatoni); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 tbsp dried parsley; 1 tsp dried dill; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

65 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Indulge in a creamy baked pasta with chicken, crispy bacon, and homemade ranch seasoning, topped with cheddar cheese.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

65 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Few things beat the comfort of a warm pasta bake, especially when it combines the savoury flavours of chicken, bacon, and ranch. This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on a classic, offering layers of taste and texture that are sure to please the entire family. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce makes this dish a standout. It's topped with a generous layer of cheddar cheese that melts into gooey perfection. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Ranch Seasoning

Sauce Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat and prepare chicken

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Pro tip: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before using it in the pasta bake.

Cook the bacon

In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Boil the pasta

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

Pro tip: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Make the ranch seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the sauce

In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of the ranch mix, whisking until smooth.

Assemble the pasta bake

Mix cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and bacon into the sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.

Bake the dish

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.</li><li>Let the pasta rest before serving for a better set texture.</li><li>Pre-cook bacon until just crisp but not too crispy; it will crisp more when baking.</li><li>Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta bake with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy flavours. To make ahead, assemble the pasta bake and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.