Cheesy Pasta Bake with Bacon

This Cheesy Pasta Bake is a family-favorite meal! The tender pasta is coated in a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, and covered with cheesy goodness. You can never go wrong with this comfort food casserole for a busy weeknight meal.

Another of our tasty cheesy pasta bake recipes is Panera Chicken Alfredo Tortellini! It's a family favorite for busy weeknights!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Instructions 
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Test kitchen tips
• Variations
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ You only need simple ingredients to make this easy recipe.

✔️ The bacon adds delicious smoky flavors, making it a casserole the whole family will love.

✔️ It's great for weekdays when you need something hearty yet simple.

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements for this easy dinner recipe. 

• linguine pasta
• cream of chicken soup
• chicken broth
• ranch dressing seasoning (the dry mix in a packet)
• bacon bits
• mozzarella cheese - sliced and shredded

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven. Spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks make the creamy sauce. Mix cream of chicken soup, broth, ranch dressing seasoning, bacon bits, and half the shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy white sauce and mix again.
5. Pour pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top pasta with provolone slices and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 - 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. If desired remove foil and place under broiler for two minutes to brown the top of the casserole.

Equipment

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• casserole dish
• large pot or dutch oven
• large bowl
• aluminum foil

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FAQ's

Test kitchen tips

• Spray or grease your casserole dish well so that clean-up is a breeze.
• You will need a large ovenproof dish for this casserole. I prefer to use a glass or ceramic casserole dish for making casseroles like this.
• I like to use freshly grated mozzarella cheese for this recipe because I've found that melts better.
• Cook the pasta to al dente according to the directions on the package.
• If you are placing the casserole under the broiler, watch it closely. You want to make sure the cheese melts and then the top turns golden brown. So, only leave it in there for 2-3 minutes.
• I prefer linguine pasta in this casserole but if you prefer a different pasta shape like penne pasta, by all means, use that!

Variations

• To add more flavor you can saute onion and garlic in the bacon grease before adding them to the pasta bake. Or, add some diced bell peppers for a little crunch.
• Switch up the cheese - you can use cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, or even Colby jack. Or top it was parmesan cheese for salty goodness!
• Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef if you want to up the protein in this easy casserole.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, crispy bacon, or sliced green onions for a little color.

Storage

Refrigerate - This pasta bake should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep well for up to 3-4 days. 

Freezer - This makes for great freezer meals. You can store this casserole in an airtight container in the freezer. Will keep it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheat - Reheat single servings in the microwave for one or two minutes. Or the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until warm all the way through.

Related recipes

• Are you looking for another easy dinner to add some variety to your meal rotation? If so, the perfect recipe is this Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole. It's hearty, and filling and the kids always love it!
• The next time you are craving a creamy pasta bake, look no further than this Tuna Noodle Casserole it tastes just like Grandma used to make.
• Do you love a little heat with your meals? If you do, then this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is your next must-make casserole!
• Super yummy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Recipe - this easy skillet dinner comes together in a snap!

Serve with

• My family loves when I serve this cheesy pasta bake with a simple green salad like this Outback Steakhouse Wedge Salad.
• I don't know about you, but I think it should be a law that you can't have pasta without garlic bread. And, this Air Fryer Garlic Bread is my favorite recipe to make. It turns out flavorful and crispy every time that you make it.
• If you are looking for a simple side dish that is healthy and delicious to serve with this hearty casserole, then no further than these Steamed Brussel Sprouts! They are so easy to make.
• If you're having a dinner party, serve this with a Wisconsin Old Fashioned - cheers!

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