Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Extra Cheddar and Mozzarella Crust
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir to blend all the seasonings into the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta into the bowl with the sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, covering the entire surface for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pasta
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 25g