Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

This irresistible casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The golden, crispy French fried onion topping takes it over the top, adding crunch to the creamy base. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any night you need a hearty, satisfying meal — but be warned, it’s bound to disappear fast!

YIELD
6–8 servings

PREP TIME
30 Min

COOK TIME
30 Min

METHOD
Bake

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

• 1 box penne pasta, 16 oz (455 g)

• 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tsp (3 g) Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix powder

• 1 large onion, diced (about 10 oz / 280 g)

• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise, regular or light

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, regular or light

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk

• 3 Tbsp (9 g) Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix powder

• 1 lb (450 g) bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) French’s French fried onions

How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. While the pasta water is heating, cook the cubed chicken in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with 1 tsp (3 g) of ranch dressing mix powder, until no longer pink in the center.

3. In a separate pan, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 3 Tbsp (9 g) ranch dressing mix.

5. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and 1 cup (100 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and onions.

7. Add the mayonnaise mixture and stir until thoroughly coated.

8. Pour in the milk and mix until evenly combined.

9. Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 cm) casserole dish.

10. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and 1 cup (100 g) of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

12. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions on top.

13. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the onions are golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion:
This chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon and the comforting flavor of ranch. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone going back for seconds.