Get ready to indulge in a delectable and comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite – the Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake. This irresistible casserole combines tender chicken, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Dive Into the Delicious Ingredients
The beauty of this Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible:
The Pasta:
The foundation of this bake is cooked pasta, with penne or rotini being the perfect choices. These sturdy, bite-sized shapes are ideal for holding onto the delicious sauce and toppings.
The Chicken:
Shredded cooked chicken is the star of the show, adding a satisfying protein to the dish. You can use leftover grilled or roasted chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
The Sauce:
The dynamic duo of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that ties everything together. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, or make your own for a personalized touch.
The Cheese:
A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses provides the gooey, melty goodness that makes this dish so irresistible. The cheddar offers a sharp, savory flavor, while the mozzarella adds a stringy, stretchy texture.
The Bacon:
Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a delightful smoky, salty crunch that complements the other flavors perfectly. No Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake would be complete without it!</
The Extras:
Chopped green onions not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, oniony flavor that balances the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper rounds out the seasoning.
Step-by-Step to Pasta Bake Perfection
Making this Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a breeze, and the end result is well worth the minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to create a masterpiece:
Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Layer and Top:
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure the top doesn’t burn.
Garnish and Serve:
Once the Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – the wait will be worth it when you dive into that first cheesy, saucy bite!
Customize Your Comfort
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to put your own spin on it to suit your tastes and dietary needs:
Vegetarian or Vegan Options:
For a meat-free version, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the mix. Use plant-based cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free Adaptations:
Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Flavor Variations:
Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, from smoky to sweet, or add a kick of heat with some spicy seasonings. You can also try swapping the ranch dressing for another creamy sauce, like a garlic Alfredo or a creamy mushroom sauce.
Cooking Methods:
For a hands-off approach, assemble the Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake in a slow cooker or Instant Pot and let it do the work for you. Adjust cooking times as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions and Nutritional Info
This Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. For a visually appealing presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes.
As for the nutritional breakdown, a single serving of this comforting dish contains approximately 530 calories, 29 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 grams of protein. While it’s certainly a indulgent comfort food, the protein and veggie-friendly options make it a balanced meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs About BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
1. What ingredients do I need to make BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake?
To make BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake, you will need the following ingredients:
– Pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– Cooked bacon, chopped
– BBQ sauce
– Ranch dressing
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
– Cooked chicken (optional)
– Green onions (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
2. Can I make BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
3. How long should I bake BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake?
Bake the BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
4. Can I customize the BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake?
Absolutely! BBQ Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake is very versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach. You can also substitute the bacon for turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to use different types of cheese or add spices to suit your taste.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- BPrint
Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Get ready to indulge in a delectable and comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite – the Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake. This irresistible casserole combines tender chicken, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped green onions. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe can be customized to suit various dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta bake, comfort food, casserole
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Conclusion: A Comforting Masterpiece
The Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake is a true comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a delightfully cheesy, saucy, and bacon-y pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Bon appétit!