Oven-Baked Chicken with Bacon and Ranch Pasta

This comforting dish combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch pasta for a flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying the whole family with minimal effort.

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TIME1 hr 10 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Oven-Baked Chicken with Bacon and Ranch Pasta

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

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 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

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 extra water and set the broccoli aside.

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Step 2

While that’s cooking, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning and some pepper inside a large zip-top bag. Seal it up and give it a good shake so the chicken gets evenly coated.

03

Step 3

Bring a big pot of chicken broth to a boil, then add the pasta shells. Cook them until they’re just about done, stirring now and then, which should take around 10 minutes. Before draining, save half a cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest.

04

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, working in batches if needed, which should take about 7 minutes. Once browned, set the chicken aside.

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Step 5

In the same skillet, pour in the milk, Alfredo sauce mix, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the chicken with any juices, the pasta, broccoli, sour cream, reserved pasta water, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 6

Transfer everything to your prepared casserole dish, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and bacon, then bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve it warm and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy to add a nice crunch to the pasta.
- Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines creamy pasta, crispy bacon, and tender chicken for a comforting meal. It’s full of flavor but easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty touch that everyone will enjoy.

Serving ideas

Serve this meal with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also pairs well and helps soak up any extra sauce on the plate.

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 and the pasta creamy. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate when thawed.