Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

This creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that will satisfy the whole family. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta, all smothered in a creamy ranch sauce and topped with melted cheese. With its bold flavors and comforting texture, this chicken and bacon pasta bake is sure to become a new family favorite.

I love a baked pasta casserole, to me the mixture of meat, cheese and pasta all baked together is the ultimate comfort food. This chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is full of hearty chicken, tender pasta and an amazing creamy ranch sauce all topped with two kinds of melty cheese.

This creamy casserole comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, our whole family loves it and it is the perfect thing to get on the dinner table on busy weeknights!

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Variations and additions-

Use different type of pasta– You can make this easy chicken pasta bake with pretty much any pasta so feel free to use your favorite. Whether it is a different shape or if you prefer whole wheat pasta, gluten free pasta, chickpea pasta or any other type it should work. Be sure to cook any pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.

Add veggies– Vegetables are an excellent addition this chicken bacon pasta. Our favorite addition is broccoli but you could also try peas, mixed veggies, green or red bell peppers or even spinach!

Different cheese– You can change up the flavor of this pasta casserole by using different cheeses. Spice it up with pepper jack cheese, add in parmesan cheese, or use Monterey jack for an extra creamy casserole.

What is the best chicken to use?

You can use your favorite chicken for this pasta bake recipe. I like to start with boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. I often cook extra when I am making another recipe to have on hand to make this quick dinner. I usually season my chicken with garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika but you can use your favorite spices to spice up your chicken. This is also a great way to use a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to make it quick and easy.

What is the best milk to use-

For the creamy ranch sauce I like to use whole milk. It makes it nice and rich. If you use low-fat milk your sauce won’t be as creamy and it will be a little more liquid. For extra rich sauce you can use heavy cream or half and half.

What to serve with this pasta casserole?

This easy creamy chicken pasta bake is great served up with so many delicious sides. You can serve it with a simple side salad or your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables. It is also great served up with fresh bread or my air fryer garlic knots.

How to store this casserole-

This tasty pasta bake is just as tasty the next day so it is great packed in lunches or eaten as leftovers. Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.

Here’s What You’ll Need For this Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

2 Cups Chicken- cooked and cubed

1 – 16 oz Box Rotini or Penne Pasta

5-6 Slices of Bacon- cooked and crumbled

1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Sauce-

1- 8 oz. Package Cream Cheese

1 Cup Milk -I like to use whole milk

1- 1 oz Package Ranch Dressing Mix or your favorite homemade ranch seasoning mix.

Here’s How to Make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan or casserole dish.

Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions, drain and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking place your milk, cream cheese and ranch dressing mix in a medium size pot. Heat on low-medium heat stirring frequently until the cream cheese is melted completely and all of the ingredients are incorporated.

Spread the cooked pasta in the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Spread the cooked chicken evenly over top of the pasta.

Then sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly across the top of the chicken.

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything, gently stir to work the sauce into the chicken and pasta.

Evenly sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.

Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is warm and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.