Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and tender penne pasta baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing Seasoning mix
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.75 oz can)
- 1 cup sour cream (230g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 7 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled (divided: 3–4 tablespoons reserved for topping, rest for casserole)
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix the casserole base: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, combine the shredded chicken, minced garlic, ranch dressing seasoning mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the crumbled bacon except for 4 tablespoons reserved for topping, stirring to evenly mix all ingredients.
- Add pasta: Stir the cooked and drained penne pasta gently into the mixture to coat the pasta well with the sauce and other ingredients, then spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and reserved 4 tablespoons of crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly, warm, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden for a crispy top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta warm.
Notes
- You can bake the casserole covered if you prefer a softer top, though uncovered yields a crispier cheese crust.
- Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut for shredded chicken, but cooked chicken breast works as well.
- If you want to reduce fat, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese options.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Make sure to cook and drain the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the casserole.
