Creamy Chicken, Crispy Bacon & Ranch Pasta Bake 🍗🥓🧀✨

Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy—this pasta bake combines juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and ranch-seasoned sauce for the ultimate comfort dish.

Ingredients 🛒

• 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (divided)
• 6 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1½ tsp salt, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, divided
• 8 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ⅔ cup onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese

Method 👩‍🍳

1. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in skillet. Season chicken with 1 tsp salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning. Cook until golden and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
3. Make sauce: Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, and basil. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, cream, and cream of chicken soup. Simmer until thickened. Add remaining ranch seasoning, salt, and half the bacon.
4. Combine: Toss pasta, chicken, and sauce together. Transfer to greased baking dish.
5. Top: Sprinkle parmesan, cheddar (optional), and remaining bacon over pasta.
6. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy hot with garlic bread or salad.

Tips

• Extra indulgence: Add mozzarella for a gooey cheese pull.
• Variation: Swap chicken for turkey or add broccoli for a veggie boost.
• Serving idea: Serve in individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party touch.

Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Kcal: ~420 per serving

Caption & Engagement

Caption: “Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake—golden, cheesy comfort in every bite 🍗🥓🧀✨”

• Comment prompt: “Would you add broccoli or keep it classic?”
• Rotating closers: “Save for your next pasta night.” • “Tag a friend who loves cheesy bakes.” • “Golden pasta, creamy ranch bliss.”