Print

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Bake

creamy chicken bacon ranch spaghetti bake - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy chicken bacon ranch spaghetti bake is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting family dinner featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a tangy ranch sauce all baked with spaghetti and plenty of cheese. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (about 8–9 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Reserve a few tablespoons for topping.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix until smooth. Taste and add salt or black pepper if needed.
  5. Stir in cooked chicken and most of the crumbled bacon. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese. Mix until combined.
  6. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring the sauce coats all the noodles. Add a splash more milk if the mixture seems too thick.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top. Add chopped parsley or chives if desired.
  8. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden in spots. For a crispier top, broil for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Slice or scoop and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta—pull it off the heat while still al dente. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as bacon and ranch mix are salty. For make-ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and check your ranch mix. Add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch spaghetti bake, creamy pasta bake, family dinner, easy casserole, comfort food, chicken casserole, ranch pasta, weeknight dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-chicken-bacon-ranch-spaghetti-bake-easy-family-dinner-recipe/