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Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake: A Comfort Food Favorite

Few things in life bring as much joy as a hot, cheesy, comforting pasta bake fresh from the oven. If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and loads of cheese, then you’re in for a treat!

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is a recipe that brings together some of the most beloved flavors into one hearty, satisfying, and absolutely delicious dish. It’s perfect for:

✔️ Busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal.
✔️ Potlucks and family gatherings where you want to impress.
✔️ Meal prep because the leftovers are just as good (if not better!).

With savory ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super easy to make—you don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up this masterpiece.

So, let’s get started! In this article, I’ll walk you through:

✔️ Why this recipe is a must-try
✔️ Step-by-step instructions with expert tips
✔️ Creative variations and add-ons
✔️ Storage and meal prep tips

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish checks all the boxes for the perfect comfort meal:

💛 Rich & Cheesy – Packed with cheddar, mozzarella, and creamy ranch goodness.
🥓 Bacon Loaded – Crispy, smoky bacon in every bite!
🍗 Protein-Packed – Tender, juicy chicken makes this dish filling and satisfying.
🍝 Hearty & Comforting – The ultimate cold-weather meal that warms the soul.
⏳ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and ready in under an hour.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta Bake:

✔️ 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
✔️ 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is perfect!)
✔️ 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
✔️ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✔️ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
✔️ ½ cup sour cream
✔️ ½ cup ranch dressing (use your favorite brand!)
✔️ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)

For the Crispy Topping:

✔️ ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (adds a crispy contrast!)
✔️ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔️ 1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite), according to package directions.
3️⃣ Drain and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the pasta! Since it will bake in the oven, it’s best to keep it slightly undercooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Heavy cream
Sour cream
Ranch dressing
Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika

2️⃣ Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra boost of ranch flavor, sprinkle in a little extra ranch seasoning mix.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1️⃣ In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:

Cooked pasta
Shredded chicken
Crispy bacon crumbles
Half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
2️⃣ Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the mixture and gently toss to coat.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.