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One-Pot Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

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This one-pot creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is a cheesy, smoky, and flavor-packed comfort food dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and gooey cheese are all baked together with pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 ounces dry pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
  • Extra crispy bacon bits, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep all your ingredients: cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, dice bacon, mince garlic, and measure out cheeses, liquids, and ranch mix.
  2. Place a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1-2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and cook until no longer pink on the outside (about 4-5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside with bacon.
  4. If the pot looks dry, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in ranch seasoning mix and cream cheese, breaking up cream cheese until mostly melted (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Stir in dry pasta and browned chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce is slightly thickened.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for topping). Mix until cheese is melted and everything is coated.
  8. Sprinkle reserved bacon and extra cheese on top. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until top is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  9. Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta and check your ranch mix. Turkey bacon or veggie bacon can be substituted. Rotisserie chicken works—add before baking. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Let rest before serving for best texture. Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch pasta, creamy pasta bake, one-pot dinner, easy pasta bake, comfort food, family dinner, ranch chicken pasta, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/one-pot-creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-bake-easy-dinner-recipe/