Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Stack is the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a celebration. With tender rotini pasta coated in a rich, ranch-seasoned cream sauce, chunks of grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with layers of flavor—from the smoky bacon to the herby ranch notes and the gooey melted cheese.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need something hearty and satisfying that still feels fun and indulgent. The sauce is made from a simple roux of flour and butter, enriched with milk and seasoned with onion powder, Italian herbs, and ranch seasoning. The pasta is tossed in this velvety sauce, layered with chicken and bacon, and finished with a bubbling cheese crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether served in a casserole dish or plated individually, this pasta stack is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And yes—once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why people start requesting it again and again.
🧺 INGREDIENTS: (Serves 6–8)
For the Pasta Stack:
- 400g rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in onion powder, Italian seasoning, ranch mix, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, and all the chicken. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Stack
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
🍽️ Tips & Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Leftover Magic: Reheat in the oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
