Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe brings together tender penne, juicy chicken, crispy bacon and an irresistible mix of Alfredo and ranch flavors. The generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite luxuriously cheesy, giving me all the cozy, indulgent vibes I crave on a relaxed night in.

I made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne last night and it turned out really hearty and filling. I started by boiling 1 lb penne pasta and later mixed it with a creamy 15 oz jar of Alfredo sauce and about 1 packet ranch seasoning mix.

I cooked 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes) in 1 tbsp olive oil until they were just right and tossed in 6 slices of cooked and chopped bacon. I then combined everything with 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese so you get that gooey, satisfying texture along with the savory taste from both the ranch mix and the bacon.

The dish is packed with protein and carbs, making it a wholesome choice for dinner. Lastly, i added salt and pepper and a little chopped fresh parsley on top to finish it off perfectly.

Enjoy your cozy, comforting meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for several reasons. First, I really dig how the creamy Alfredo sauce mixes with the ranch seasoning, creating a unique and flavorful twist that makes every bite interesting. Second, the bacon adds that savory crunch that I just can’t resist – there’s something so satisfying about bits of crispy bacon in every mouthful. Third, I appreciate the perfect combo of textures; the tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and gooey melted cheeses all come together to make a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Lastly, it’s super easy to whip up, which means I can enjoy a delicious, filling meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

I gotta say, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne is everything you want in a comfort food. It’s packed with all sorts of good vibes – the pasta is cooked just right, the sauce is thick and creamy, and the cheeses melt perfectly into every nook and cranny. There’s a kind of warmth and satisfaction that comes from having all these tasty ingredients come together in one dish. I love that it’s not too fancy, but still has a special, home-cooked feel since it’s loaded with bacon and cheese. Plus, there’s a fun twist with the ranch seasoning that just makes it stand out from your usual pasta bake. Overall, this recipe always makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something extra cozy and indulgent.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some fiber; it’s the dish’s hearty base.
• Chicken: Lean protein that helps repair muscles and gives a juicy, tasty bite.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crunch, though it’s higher in fat and salt.
• Alfredo sauce: Creamy, rich base that coats the pasta and chicken, making the dish indulgent.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Blends herbs and spices for a tangy, comforting flavor boost throughout.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy protein that adds gooey texture and mild flavor to the bake.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharply salty and aged, it finishes the dish with a punch of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 15 oz jar of Alfredo sauce
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and boil a large pot of water. Cook the 1 lb penne pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it well.

2. Season the 1 lb cubed chicken with salt and pepper and heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until its browned on all sides and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet.

3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and combine the 15 oz jar of Alfredo sauce with the 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix. Stir it well so they mix together completely.

4. Toss the cooked chicken, the drained pasta, and the 6 slices of cooked, chopped bacon into the sauce. Stir everything until your pasta is nicely coated.

5. Add in the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it up gently so the cheeses evenly spread through.

6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish enough to fit it all in one layer.

7. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne.

Equipment Needed

1. Large oven (preheated to 375°F)
2. Big pot (filled with water for boiling pasta)
3. Colander (for draining the cooked pasta)
4. Cutting board and knife (for cubing the chicken and chopping bacon)
5. Large skillet (for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce)
6. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and mixing the ingredients)
7. Greased baking dish (to hold the pasta mix before baking)
8. Measuring spoons and cups (to accurately measure ingredients like olive oil and cheeses)

FAQ

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: You can use turkey breast or even firm tofu if you wanna try a veggie twist
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta works great if you’re lookin for a slightly different flavor
• Olive oil: If you dont have olive oil on hand, try using your regular vegetable oil or even a bit of melted butter
• Alfredo sauce: Rather than jarred, you could make your own cream sauce with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning: Mix your own with a pinch of dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcrowd the pan with the chicken when browning it, coz if its too crowded the meat can steam instead of sear, and you miss out on that good flavor.
2. When its time to mix the pasta with the sauce, be careful not to overmix it, or the pasta could get mushy and turn into a gooey mess.
3. Crisping the bacon beforehand and dabbing it on some paper towels to get rid of extra grease really helps keep the dish from being too oily.
4. Let the baked dish sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, that extra rest time makes the flavors blend together better and you dont burn your mouth right away.