Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines three fan-favorite ingredients: chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Tossed with pasta and topped with gooey cheese, this casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet (for cooking bacon)
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the bacon:
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Crumble the bacon once cooled. - Mix the sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the casserole:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. - Layer the casserole:
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Make it low-carb: Substitute the pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
- Add vegetables: Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning is irresistible. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
This creamy and cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavor, it’s an easy-to-make dinner the whole family will love!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Skillet (for cooking bacon)
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta penne, rotini, or shells work best
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
- Mix the sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Layer the casserole:
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
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