Name: Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatappi, rigatoni or penne pasta; 3 cups broccoli, cut into bite size pieces; 1/2 onion, diced (or ½ teaspoon onion powder); 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional); 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cups half and half (or substitute milk whisked with 1½ tablespoons cornstarch); 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creamy); 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 2½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix (or DIY ranch seasoning); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons dried dill; 2 teaspoons dried chives; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta that’s packed with bold flavors and wrapped up in ooey-gooey cheese. This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe has been one of my go-to weeknight meals whenever I want something hearty, cozy, and downright delicious.

A white speckled bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is spiral pasta in a light cream color, mixed with small pieces of bright green broccoli and bits of red bell pepper. The middle layer is melted yellow cheese scattered unevenly over the pasta, creating a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The top layer consists of small dark brown crispy bacon pieces and bright green chopped scallions sprinkled all over. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, angled towards the back, against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this dish — the way the creamy ranch sauce clung to every bite of pasta and the crispy bacon sprinkled on top really won me over. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and flavor explosion, and I just know you’ll love how easy it is to whip up!

Loaded with flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a savory punch that’s totally addictive.
Super creamy texture: Thanks to the half and half and sour cream, the sauce is luxuriously smooth and coats the pasta perfectly.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or potluck, this pasta bake always gets rave reviews and vanished plates.
Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies to make it your own — I share my favorite tweaks below!

The dish is a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake made with spiral-shaped pasta. The top layer is melted golden-orange cheese with bits of crispy brown bacon scattered across. Bright green chopped spring onions are sprinkled over the top, adding pops of color. Underneath the cheese, visible pieces of green broccoli peek through the pasta. A golden spoon is scooping out some pasta, showing the creamy mixture with white chicken pieces mixed with pasta and vegetables. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe brings together a thoughtful mix of ingredients that balance creaminess, tang, and a touch of brightness. Plus, it’s easy to find everything at your local grocery store, and I always recommend making sure your bacon is crispy for that perfect crunch.

Flat lay of uncooked cavatappi pasta in a small white ceramic bowl, fresh bite-sized broccoli florets arranged in a white ceramic bowl, crispy cooked bacon pieces scattered on a simple white ceramic plate, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a halved red bell pepper with bright seeds visible, diced white onion in a white ceramic bowl, several peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of creamy half and half, a small white bowl with low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cavatappi or penne pasta: The ridged, tube-shaped pasta holds onto the creamy sauce so well, making every bite flavorful.
Broccoli: Adds color, texture, and a little healthy balance to the richness. I prefer steaming it just until tender-crisp.
Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon adds an irresistible smoky crunch — baking it in the oven saves me a mess.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: These create the perfect base for sautéing the aromatics and building flavor.
Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth and a savory backbone.
Red bell pepper (optional): Brings a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a smooth, velvety consistency without lumps.
Half and half: Keeps the sauce creamy yet light; you can substitute with milk and cornstarch if needed.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and helps balance the creaminess.
Ranch dressing seasoning mix: The star that gives the dish that iconic tangy ranch flavor without extra work.
Sour cream: Optional, but I love the extra richness and tang it brings.
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: A melty, cheesy combo that creates a luscious topping and sauce base.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient and juicy, perfect for a quick meal with minimal prep.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge, and you can easily adjust the cheese blend or ranch seasoning strength to your taste buds.

Vegetable swap: I’ve used cauliflower or asparagus instead of broccoli — both work beautifully and keep that fresh crunch.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce was a game changer on a chilly night.
Dairy-free variation: I’ve tried this using dairy-free cheese and almond milk with cornstarch to thicken — it’s a bit different but still tasty!
Protein changes: Sometimes I swap the rotisserie chicken for grilled chicken thighs or even turkey to switch things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I add the broccoli first and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s just tender but still vibrant and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking — I like to lay it on a plate while I cook the pasta just right (al dente is key here!). Overcooked pasta turned mushy is the last thing you want before baking.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. I sauté diced onion first until soft, about 4 minutes, then add red bell pepper and garlic to cook for a couple more minutes. This base aroma is what hooks you in.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes—this step avoids any raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in half and half and chicken broth along with ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and those lovely dried herbs. Simmer gently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon without being too thick.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese, Chicken, Broccoli, and Bacon

Lower the heat and melt in cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this—melting cheese slowly helps avoid graininess. Then stir in sour cream (if you’re using it), followed by shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli, and half the bacon for that perfect balance of flavor through the dish. Finally, fold in the cooked pasta so everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then, take it out, scatter the remaining bacon over the surface, and return for another 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before scooping out — this lets it set just right.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe over the years, a few tricks make all the difference between a good bake and a wow-worthy one. Here are my personal tips to help you nail this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe every time.

Get your pasta timing right: Cooking the pasta al dente and rinsing it well prevents sogginess — trust me, I learned this the hard way after a clumpy bake!
Don’t skip the slow cheese melt: Adding cheese over low heat ensures that silky smooth sauce that no one can resist.
Bake bacon in the oven: It’s super easy, less messy, and frees you up to work on other parts of the meal.
Adjust your sauce consistency: If it starts to get too thick while simmering, add a splash of milk or broth — this keeps it perfect for baking and meal prep.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

cheesy chicken bacon ranch - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta bake with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and subtle freshness. Sometimes, a dash of smoked paprika brings an extra cozy aroma. For a bit of zing, serve with lemon wedges on the side — it helps cut through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

To balance all that cheesy goodness, I usually pair this with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or roasted garlic green beans. Sometimes, warm crusty bread or garlic knots work wonders to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering, I like to bake this in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and bacon for an elegant touch. On special occasions, adding caramelized onions or a drizzle of truffle oil makes it feel like a restaurant-worthy comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover leftovers with foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. They stay great for up to 5 days, making this perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week — just give it a quick reheat!

Freezing

Freezing this pasta bake works like a charm. I wrap the unbaked casserole dish twice in plastic wrap and once in aluminum foil. When it’s time to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer. It’s wonderful to have a comfort meal ready for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the oven to keep that melty cheesy top intact — cover with foil first to avoid drying out, then uncover at the end to get the cheese bubbly again. If I’m in a rush, the microwave works fine; just make sure to stir occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?

Absolutely! While cavatappi or penne work best because they hold the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni based on what you have on hand.

Is it okay to use fresh ranch dressing instead of the dry seasoning mix?

I recommend using the dry ranch seasoning mix to get that concentrated ranch tang in the sauce. If you only have fresh ranch dressing, you can try reducing the amount and adjust to taste, but it may make your sauce thinner.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the pasta moist and the cheese melty. If you must use a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation — it’s that perfect mix of comfort and quick prep that turns any ordinary night into a warm family gathering. You’ll enjoy the creamy, cheesy sauce balanced with smoky bacon and fresh broccoli. Give this one a try, tweak it your way, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!