THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Oven-Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken over Pasta
This creamy, savory dish combines crispy bacon and tangy ranch flavors with tender chicken, all baked to perfection. Served over pasta, it's an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Oven-Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken over Pasta
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by steaming the broccoli: put it in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and microwave on high for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s tender. Drain any excess liquid and set it aside. While that’s cooking, toss the chicken, a tablespoon of ranch dressing mix, and some pepper into a large resealable bag. Seal it up and give it a good shake to coat the chicken evenly.
02
Step 2
Next, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta shells and cook them until they're just about done, stirring now and then—this should take around 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but don’t throw away all the water; save half a cup of that cooking liquid for later.
03
Step 3
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a big skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces (you might need to do this in batches) and cook them until they’re nicely browned all over, about 7 minutes. Once browned, set the chicken aside.
04
Step 4
With the skillet still hot, pour in the milk and stir in the Alfredo sauce mix along with the remaining two tablespoons of ranch dressing mix. Bring this mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the browned chicken back into the skillet along with any juices, the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, sour cream, the reserved pasta water, and some salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
05
Step 5
Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon bits. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is bubbly. Serve it up warm and enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines crispy, flavorful chicken with creamy ranch seasoning and smoky bacon. It’s easy to prepare and makes a comforting, hearty meal. The pasta soaks up all the delicious juices, making every bite satisfying.
How to serve
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch. Garlic bread pairs well to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately for longer storage.
