Bacon and Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need to create this heavenly pasta bake.

Pasta

The base of this dish is pasta, and you can go with any type you like. Traditionally, penne, rotini, or fusilli work well because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You’ll need around 12 oz. of pasta for a serving of 4-6 people.

Bacon

Bacon is, without a doubt, the star of this show. It adds a crispy, smoky, and savory kick to the dish that elevates all the other flavors. About 6-8 slices of bacon will do the trick.

Ranch Dressing

This is the key to giving the dish that rich, creamy flavor. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or even make your own from scratch if you’re up for it. Either way, it will bring all the ingredients together.

Cheese

Cheese is a must in any pasta bake! A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese is ideal, as it melts wonderfully and creates that gooey, cheesy layer that everyone loves. About 1.5 to 2 cups of shredded cheese should be just right.

Sour Cream and Cream Cheese

To take the creaminess up a notch, sour cream and cream cheese are added. These ingredients give the dish that velvety smooth texture that makes every bite feel like a hug.

Garlic and Onion

For an added depth of flavor, you can’t forget garlic and onion. These aromatics infuse the dish with their savory notes and balance out the creaminess.

Seasonings

A few seasonings—like salt, pepper, and dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning)—round out the flavor profile. A little pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a mild kick, but that’s optional based on your spice tolerance.

Step-by-Step Bacon and Ranch Pasta Bake Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into how to make this delicious bacon and ranch pasta bake!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You don’t want it too soft because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to get that bacon crispy! In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Once it’s cool enough to handle, chop it up into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine your ranch dressing, sour cream, and cream cheese. Add a little bit of milk to thin it out if you want a smoother texture. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well-mixed. Then, toss in the garlic, onion, and your seasonings. Give it a taste—add a little salt, pepper, or extra seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the pasta bake. In a large baking dish, combine your cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top—this is where you can really load up on the cheesy goodness. If you like a golden, crispy top, add a little more cheese than usual.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s heated, place your pasta bake in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy around the edges, giving the bake that perfect finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheesy sauce set and makes it easier to serve. Then, scoop out generous portions, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled magic you just created!