Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a zesty ranch seasoning blend, all layered with pasta and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it combines savory, cheesy goodness with an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

Bacon

  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning

Chicken & Cheese

  • 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the oven rack in the upper third position to ensure even baking and browning on top.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the package directions to keep it slightly firm as it will cook further in the casserole.
  3. Cook the Bacon: While the pasta is boiling, cut bacon strips into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Seasoning: Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta and sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet on top. Toss everything together gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  5. Add Chicken and Bacon: Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the crispy bacon pieces into the pasta mixture. Mix again to distribute thoroughly.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  8. Optional Broiling: For a golden, browned cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook your own chicken breast and shred it.
  • Cooking pasta al dente helps maintain texture after baking.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with a mozzarella-cheddar blend for extra flavor.
  • Broil carefully as cheese can burn quickly.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat covered in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Find it online: https://cookesrecipes.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole-recipe/