Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Stack 🍗🥓🧀
Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Stack takes comfort food to the next level. With layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch dressing, it’s everything you love about the classic flavor trio baked into one indulgent dish. The combination of creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crisp bacon makes this pasta stack both hearty and irresistible — perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra melt)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce, mixing until evenly coated. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
To create the “stack,” preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish or use small ramekins for individual portions. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the dish, sprinkle with a handful of mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Flavor
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra tenderness. For added depth, mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach. If you like a stronger ranch flavor, drizzle a bit more ranch dressing on top before serving. To make it extra creamy, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Stack with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 29g
Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Stack combines the rich comfort of pasta with the classic trio of ranch, bacon, and cheese for a meal that’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavor — smoky bacon, tangy ranch, and melty cheddar blending into tender pasta and juicy chicken. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite whenever you’re craving something hearty and indulgent.