There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, bubbly casserole straight out of the oven — especially one filled with pasta, chicken, creamy ranch flavor, and crispy bacon. This Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Baked Penne recipe takes all those delicious elements and bakes them into one cheesy, golden, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
This isn’t just any pasta bake. It’s loaded with flavor thanks to the magical trio of ranch seasoning, gooey cheese, and savory chicken. Add in crispy beef or turkey bacon, and you’ve got a complete dinner that satisfies every craving.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easy it is to assemble. You don’t need to stand over a stove for hours. Just cook the pasta, mix everything together in a big bowl, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver here. Combined with ranch dressing and cream cheese, it creates an ultra-creamy sauce that coats every bite of penne perfectly. The bacon adds a salty crunch that takes this dish over the top.
Kids love this meal. Adults go back for seconds. It’s great for picky eaters, and even better for leftovers the next day. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
You can even prep it ahead of time and bake when ready. It’s freezer-friendly, too — just thaw and reheat for an easy meal that feels homemade.
Want to make it healthier? Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also toss in some spinach or broccoli to sneak in a few veggies.
The ranch flavor isn’t overpowering, but adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon and juicy chicken. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top after baking to brighten it all up.
No matter how you serve it, this Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Baked Penne is bound to become a new family favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Make it for potlucks, game day, or just a casual weeknight when you want something warm and comforting. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called “The BEST.”
Servings: 6–8 servings
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup cooked beef or turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked chicken, chopped bacon, and half the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Fold in the cooked penne pasta and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add chopped spinach, broccoli, or peas for a veggie boost.
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, this baked penne dish brings together all your favorite comfort food elements — chicken, bacon, ranch, and pasta — in one irresistible casserole.
Summary: The BEST Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Baked Penne is a family-friendly, easy-to-make casserole that combines creamy ranch, juicy chicken, crispy beef or turkey bacon, and melty cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
