Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Are you on the hunt for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further than our Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken and Pasta! This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and hearty pasta for a meal that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're planning a laid-back weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have this hearty and flavorful dish on the table in no time. Plus, the combination of protein-packed chicken and satisfying pasta makes it a complete meal all on its own. It's a great way to sneak in some veggies as well, as you can add your favorite diced vegetables to the mix for an extra nutritional boost.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For a lighter option, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and for a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more or less of the ranch seasoning, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder or more intense flavor profile.

The best part? This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. And it's just as delicious reheated the next day, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day.

So, if you're looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a family favorite, give our Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken and Pasta a try. With its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead potential, it's sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Trust us, once you try it, you'll be hooked!

Ingredients

2 ½ cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix, divided
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (48 ounce) container chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 ¾ cups milk
1 (1.6 oz) package dry Alfredo sauce mix (such as Knorr®)
½ cup sour cream
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Information

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 10
Yield: 1 9x13-inch casserole

Place broccoli and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high until steamed and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and drain excess liquid; set aside.

While broccoli is steaming, place 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and pepper, seal the bag, and massage to coat chicken with seasonings.

Pour chicken broth into a large pot and bring a boil over medium-high heat. Add shells and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until pasta is nearly done, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking broth.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary, and cook until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.

Add milk, Alfredo sauce mix, and remaining 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix to the hot skillet; bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, add chicken and any accumulated juices, pasta, broccoli, sour cream, reserved 1/2 cup pasta cooking broth, salt, and pepper. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bacon.

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Nutrition

457 cal.

Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 86mg
Sodium: 1389mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin C: 20mg
Calcium: 211mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 487mg

How to Make Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken and Pasta - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

457 cal.

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