Name: Baked Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional); 2 cups small broccoli florets or 1 cup peas (optional)

Description

Creamy, cheesy baked pasta loaded with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch—an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

2 cups small broccoli florets or 1 cup peas (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C); grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain well.

3. In a bowl, whisk ranch, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir in half the cheddar and half the Parmesan.

5. Combine pasta, chicken, bacon, and optional veggies; pour in the ranch mixture and toss to coat.

6. Transfer to the baking dish; top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan.

7. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden (cover with foil first 15 minutes if desired).

8. Rest 5 minutes; garnish with parsley, slice, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 815 kcal
Sodium: 880 mg
Fat: 53 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Protein: 36 g