Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne: Comfort Food at Its Best

Looking for a hearty, cheesy dish that’s packed with flavor? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne is exactly what you need! With a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super easy to make and ready in about 45 minutes!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne served in a baking dish with melted cheese and crispy bacon topping

I’m all about comfort food, and this dish combines all my favorites—cheese, bacon, and ranch, of course. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or when you want something extra satisfying.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne is the ultimate indulgence. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of tender pasta, savory chicken, and crispy bacon. Topped with gooey mozzarella, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

What makes it so irresistible?

It’s all about that creamy Alfredo sauce and the ranch dressing. The two come together to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, while the bacon adds that perfect crunch and smoky flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne in a baking dish, ready to serve

And the best part? It’s super simple to make and can be ready in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy, comforting dish:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• All-Purpose Flour – 2 tablespoons to help thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – 3/4 cup to create that creamy texture.
• Milk – 1/2 cup to balance the creaminess and make the sauce just the right consistency.
• Salted Butter – 3/4 cup to add richness to the sauce.
• Cream Cheese – 8 ounces (1 block) to make the sauce extra creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, grated, for that salty, cheesy kick.
• Garlic Powder – 1/2 teaspoon to add flavor to the sauce.

For the Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne:

• Penne Pasta – 1 pound to serve as the base of the dish.
• Cooked Chicken Breast – 1/2 pound, chopped or shredded for the protein.
• Ranch Dressing – 1/2 cup to add that ranch flavor we all love.
• Cooked Bacon – 6 slices, chopped for that perfect crunch.
• Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated, for the melty cheese topping.
• Fresh Parsley – Chopped, optional for garnish.

Once you’ve got everything ready, you’re just a few steps away from a delicious meal!

How to Make It

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the flour, heavy whipping cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
   • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the butter and cream cheese. Stir with a whisk until both are melted and smooth.
   • Slowly add the flour and milk mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
   • Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne:
   • Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
   • Add the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, and ranch dressing to the pasta. Stir gently to combine.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the chopped bacon and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Let it Stand: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne served on a plate with a fork ready to dig in

How to Serve This Baked Penne

This dish is perfect on its own or as a hearty side to a green salad. The rich, creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp, fresh salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Spoon taking a bite of cheesy chicken bacon ranch penne

Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Tip: Feel free to add extra cheese on top if you love an extra gooey, cheesy topping.
• Add-ins: You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to make it even more hearty.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven before serving.

Cheesy chicken bacon ranch penne served in a bowl

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