This Cheesy Chicken Ranch Baked Penne Is The Ultimate Weeknight Hero
Stop the dinner stress with this creamy Chicken Ranch Baked Penne. It is cheesy, loaded with bacon, and ready in 40 minutes!
It’s 6pm. You’re tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. Enter the Chicken Ranch Baked Penne.
There is nothing better than a hot pasta dish on a cold winter night. This recipe delivers big flavor with almost zero effort. You get creamy ranch and salty bacon in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total game changer for busy weeknights. It combines pantry staples into a crave-worthy masterpiece. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
It is the ultimate comfort food that actually fills you up. Plus, it is completely kid-approved. Even the pickiest eaters love the ranch and cheese combo. You will love how fast the cleanup is!
Easy Cooking Steps
Making this is almost too easy. You just boil the pasta and whisk the sauce. Then you toss everything together and let the oven do the work. It is a foolproof method for a perfect dinner.
Even if you are a beginner, you can nail this. There are no complicated techniques involved. Just simple ingredients and maximum flavor.
What You Need
Most of these items are probably in your kitchen right now. Using pre-cooked chicken makes this even faster.
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package directions; drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the ranch mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this Chicken Ranch Baked Penne bubbling hot straight from the oven. The cheese should be gooey and perfect. Pair it with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Garlic bread is also a mandatory side for dipping. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish also works great for a potluck gathering.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. This pasta reheats beautifully in the microwave. Add a tiny splash of milk before heating. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. You can also freeze it for later!
Pro Tips
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save massive amounts of time.
- Salt your pasta water heavily for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the box says.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than the bagged kind.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add extra bacon on top for a salty crunch.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add steamed broccoli for a boost of green veggies.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Swap the penne for rotini or bowtie pasta.
- Try using spicy ranch for extra bold flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is fully thawed and cooked first. Pre-cooked frozen strips work great here.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just add 10 minutes to the bake time.
You need this cheesy goodness in your life right now! Go make it and thank me later.
— Jasmine
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package directions; drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the ranch mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
