There’s something magical about digging into a steaming dish of Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne after a long day—the way the cheese stretches when you scoop it, the smoky bacon aroma filling your kitchen, and that creamy ranch flavor hugging every noodle. This dish became my go-to comfort food after I first made it for a chaotic family potluck years ago. I’ll never forget my cousin’s kids (who usually turn up their noses at anything green) going back for thirds!
What makes this baked penne so special? It’s the ultimate trifecta: tender chicken, crispy bacon, and that irresistible ranch tang all baked together in a cheesy embrace. The best part? It comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”—perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without fuss. My secret is using rotisserie chicken (shh!) and letting the flavors meld while it bakes until golden and bubbly.
This recipe reminds me why we gather around the table—good food that makes everyone feel at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or your turn to bring the main dish to book club, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne never disappoints.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
Trust me, this dish is about to become your new favorite for so many reasons:
- Weeknight lifesaver: With rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon, you’re 20 minutes away from dinner magic
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: Who can resist the bacon-ranch-cheese trifecta? Even picky eaters clean their plates
- Customizable base: Toss in veggies, swap in turkey bacon, or kick up the heat – it’s endlessly adaptable
- Leftovers that improve: The flavors get even better the next day (if there’s any left!)
- One-dish wonder: Less cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal
Seriously, I’ve made this for everything from book club to soccer team dinners – it never fails to disappear fast!
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this glorious pasta bake (trust me, every item plays a crucial role!):
- 8 oz penne pasta – the ridges hold onto all that creamy goodness
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly here)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing – use your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, packed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder – our flavor boosters
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No stress if you need to swap things around! My kitchen-tested alternatives:
- Out of ranch dressing? Mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1/2 cup mayo with ranch seasoning
- Gluten-free penne works beautifully – just watch the cook time
- Turkey bacon lovers, I see you! It’ll still taste amazing
- Shredded chicken shortcut: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store (my secret weapon!)
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for fun variations
Remember – cooking should be flexible and fun. Make it your own!
Equipment You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple – just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or any similar casserole dish)
- Large mixing bowl – for that glorious sauce-pasta-chicken mix
- Colander – to drain your perfectly al dente penne
- Wooden spoon – my trusty mixing companion
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed for this comfort food masterpiece.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
Ready to turn simple ingredients into ultimate comfort food? Let me walk you through each step – I’ve made this dish countless times and learned all the little tricks!
Step 1: Prep the Pasta & Preheat
First things first: crank your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this gives it time to get perfectly hot while you prep. Now, cook your penne in salted boiling water but only until al dente (about 1 minute less than package says). Trust me, those noodles will keep cooking in the oven and you don’t want mushy pasta! Drain but don’t rinse – we want that starchy goodness to help thicken our sauce.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In your biggest mixing bowl (I always grab my trusty yellow one), whisk together the ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon nicely – if it seems too thick, splash in another tablespoon of milk. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Toss the drained penne, chicken, and bacon into your creamy ranch mixture – I like to use my hands (washed, of course!) to make sure every noodle gets love. Pour into your greased baking dish, sprinkle cheeses evenly on top (don’t skimp!), and bake for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese turns golden in spots. Try to wait 5 minutes before diving in – I know it’s hard!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for the best results:
- Let it rest – Those 5 minutes after baking are crucial! This lets the sauce thicken so you get perfect slices instead of a saucy mess
- Crispy cheese lover? Pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end – just watch closely!
- Undercook the pasta slightly – The penne will soften more in the oven, so al dente is perfect
- Preheat that oven! A properly hot oven means perfectly melted cheese without overcooking
- Mix-ins? Stir in extras like sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before baking
These little tricks make all the difference between good and oh-my-gosh amazing!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne is practically a party on its own, but I love rounding out the meal with a few simple touches. A crusty garlic bread loaf for dipping in those cheesy edges? Yes please! For lighter days, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Top with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color – it makes all the difference between “dinner” and “dinner party!”
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled baked penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, my favorite method is the oven (350°F for 15-20 minutes) to keep that crispy cheese texture. Microwave works in a pinch – just cover with a damp paper towel and stir halfway through to prevent drying out!
Nutrition Information
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (about 1 cup), but remember – nutrition varies by ingredients. Values are estimates based on our standard recipe:
- 420 calories
- 22g protein
- 32g carbs (2g fiber)
- 24g fat (8g saturated)
Use this as a guide, but your exact counts may differ based on brands and any substitutions you make. The important thing? It’s delicious comfort food that brings people together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Just wrap tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers after cooling completely. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating (add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time). The texture stays perfect – though I recommend sprinkling a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh-baked look!
Q2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Oh, I love this question! My favorite ways to kick up the heat:
- Stir in 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper with the dry spices
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella
- Top with sliced jalapeños before baking
- Swap regular ranch for spicy ranch dressing
Just taste as you go – you can always add more heat!
Q3. Can I prepare this ahead for a potluck?
You bet! Assemble everything except baking (up through cheese topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed – just add 5-10 extra minutes since it’s going in cold. Pro tip: Bring oven mitts if transporting – that baking dish stays hot!
Q4. What’s the best ranch dressing to use?
Honestly? Whatever you love drinking straight from the bottle! Buttermilk ranch gives classic flavor, while avocado ranch adds creaminess. For homemade fans, my quick hack: 3/4 cup mayo + 1/4 cup buttermilk + 1 tbsp ranch seasoning. The dressing really makes this dish sing!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my tried-and-true Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne that’s saved me on countless busy nights and pleased even the pickiest eaters. I can’t wait for you to experience those first cheesy, bacon-y bites! Give it a whirl this week and tell me – did your family go wild for it too? Happy cooking!
Print
Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne in 30 Mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and comforting pasta dish with chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add cooked penne to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
