Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake is a simple pasta recipe bursting with creamy ranch flavor. This recipe is easy and delicious!
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Author Holly
Ingredients
10ouncesdried penne pasta
1poundboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch pieces
1Tablespoonranch seasoning/dressing mix
Ranch Sauce
2Tablespoonssalted butter
2teaspoonsminced garlic
2Tablespoonsranch seasoning/dressing mix
1/2Tablespoonall-purpose flour
1pintheavy whipping cream
1/2cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Toppings
1cupshredded Mozzarella cheese
4slicescooked baconchopped
fresh chopped parsleyoptional
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling water, cook penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
Season chicken pieces with ranch seasoning. Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray.
Cook chicken in prepared skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink in center; about 10 to 12 minutes. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a large plate. Tent with foil to keep warm. Carefully wipe skillet clean so you can cook the sauce in it.
Ranch Sauce
Add butter to skillet and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add garlic and stir until fragrant; about 1 minute. Whisk in ranch seasoning and flour. Cook for 30 seconds whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in heavy whipping cream. Continue to cook and stir for one minute or until mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it completely melts. Season sauce with pepper.
Add drained cooked pasta and cooked chicken to ranch sauce in skillet. Stir to combine. Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Toppings
Top evenly with Mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F. oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from oven and let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!