Overnight Monterey Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked dish packed with shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. With a rich ranch and sour cream sauce and the convenience of overnight chilling, this recipe is ideal for meal prepping or make-ahead dinners that are full of flavor and effortless to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepped the night before, this dish is ready to bake and serve when you are.
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Creamy & Flavorful: Ranch, sour cream, and cheese blend together for a rich, satisfying sauce.
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Family Favorite: Loaded with chicken, bacon, and pasta—what’s not to love?
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Perfect for Potlucks or Weeknights: Hearty, simple to assemble, and easy to transport or reheat.
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Customizable: Swap cheeses, use different pasta, or add veggies to make it your own.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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3 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained
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1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup milk
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
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Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, penne pasta, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions to the bowl. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. -
Chill Overnight
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours) to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. -
Bake and Serve
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chilled pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Optional Garnish
Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes active + overnight chill
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
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Cheese Options: Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.
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Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for added nutrition.
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BBQ Twist: Replace some of the ranch with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
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Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
Freeze assembled (unbaked) pasta in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect and saves time on prep.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Fusilli, rotini, or shells work just as well as penne.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
Pan-frying or baking until crispy, then draining and crumbling, yields the best texture.
Can I skip the overnight step?
The overnight chill enhances flavor and texture, but you can bake immediately if needed—just note the flavors may not be as developed.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well when assembled but not baked. Thaw before baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the ranch dressing is gluten-free.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Definitely! Sprinkle more cheese before baking for a golden, bubbly top.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—but you can add spice with hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, or chili flakes.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It will keep well for 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Overnight Monterey Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and incredibly convenient make-ahead dish that delivers comfort and taste in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potluck dinners, this creamy pasta bake is easy to prepare and always satisfying. With plenty of room for customization, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Print
Overnight Monterey Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Overnight Monterey Chicken Pasta is the ultimate make-ahead dinner! Loaded with creamy ranch, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and shredded chicken, it’s a cheesy, savory bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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3 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained
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1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup milk
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce:
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In a large bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine the Ingredients:
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Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
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Stir until everything is well combined and coated in sauce.
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Chill Overnight:
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
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Bake and Serve:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve hot
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Notes
Can be prepped up to two days in advance. For extra crisp, top with additional cheese or breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
