---
title: Chicken & Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-bake-65254fb1300e797a16c16f71
servings: 4
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes
time required: 45 minutes
difficulty: Medium
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
tags:
  - Multi-Portion
  - New
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 735
source_chef: Sara Heilman
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many enjoyed the creamy, cheesy taste, though some found it bland or too heavy on ranch seasoning.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: While tasty, several noted it took longer to prepare than expected and used many dishes.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/American%20Recipes/Pastas/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-bake.avif"
---
@broccoli florets{1%unit}
@chives{1%unit}
@lemon{1%unit}
@bacon{1%unit}
@chopped chicken breast{1%unit}
@ranch spice{1%unit}
@paprika{1%unit}
@cream sauce base{1%unit}
@sour cream{1%unit}
@garlic powder{1%unit}
@penne pasta{1%unit}
@mozzarella cheese{2%unit}
@cooking oil{1%unit}

Preheat oven to 425°F. Adjust racks to top and middle positions. Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces if necessary. Thinly slice chives. Quarter lemon.

Place bacon on a #baking sheet{}. Roast on top rack until crispy ~{10%minutes} to ~{15%minutes}. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop.

Open package of chopped chicken breast and drain off any excess liquid. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces if necessary. Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Season with half the ranch spice, half the paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through ~{4%minutes} to ~{6%minutes}. Set aside.

Once water is boiling, add penne pasta to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally ~{5%minutes}. Once pasta has cooked for 5 minutes, add broccoli to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is bright green ~{3%minutes} to ~{5%minutes} more. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

In a #large bowl{}, whisk together cream sauce base, sour cream, garlic powder, remaining ranch spice, remaining paprika, two packets of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water, salt, and pepper. Add drained pasta and broccoli, chicken, and chopped bacon to bowl; stir until well combined. If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce.

Coat a 9-by-13-inch #baking dish{} with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover pasta bake tightly with #aluminum foil{}; place on a second #baking sheet{}. Bake on middle rack until bubbly ~{20%minutes} to ~{30%minutes}. Careful when lifting the foil to check on the pasta bake as steam may escape.

Let pasta bake rest at least ~{5%minutes}. When ready to serve, stir to evenly combine. Garnish pasta bake with chives. Divide between plates or serve family style directly from baking dish, with lemon wedges on the side.