Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish. It combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, all mixed with pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. Everyone loves the flavors of ranch and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser!

How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta noodles
• 1 cup of Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions but only cook them until they are halfway done. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
4. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom.
6. Add the halfway cooked pasta noodles on top of the Alfredo sauce layer.
7. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the noodles.
8. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the Alfredo sauce.
10. Scatter the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer.
11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with additional ranch seasoning, if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Serve the Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot, straight from the oven. You can add a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it in individual bowls or dishes.

How to Store Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the pasta in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Feel free to use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or rotini.
• For extra creaminess, you can add more Alfredo sauce.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• If desired, you can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, try adding different seasonings or cheeses. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works great for this recipe. It saves time and still tastes delicious.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can skip the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.