Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses with a rich ranch seasoning, this baked pasta dish is satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of fresh Italian parsley adds a bright, herby contrast to the luscious cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 rotisserie chicken, cut into chunks
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Produce and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray for the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Prepare the baking dish. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bacon and pasta. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the creamy ranch sauce. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and the prepared creamy ranch sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the pasta. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh Italian parsley on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can substitute with cooked homemade chicken.
- Feel free to use different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
