Description
A creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavor. This dish is the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for a creamy base)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (adds tangy flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy sauce)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a melty topping)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (adds crunch and smokiness)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for freshness and color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken, bacon bits, and chopped green onions to the sauce mixture. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Pasta:
- Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American