Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish combining tender diced chicken coated in flavorful ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, smooth Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese over perfectly cooked pasta. Baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 lb chicken, boneless/skinless, diced
Produce & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 14.5-ounce jar of Alfredo sauce
Dry Goods & Seasonings
- 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
- 8 ounces pasta (shells preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, approximately 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon grease from the skillet and place bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Season Chicken: In a gallon-size resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, diced raw chicken, and the dry Ranch dressing mix. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning and oil.
- Cook Chicken: Transfer the seasoned chicken from the bag to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it into the greased baking dish.
- Assemble Casserole: To the pasta in the baking dish, add the cooked chicken and pour the Alfredo sauce over everything, mixing gently to combine.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top followed by the cooked crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole!
Notes
- If you cannot find ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining ½ cup dry buttermilk, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 2 teaspoons dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use as the recipe directs.
- The recipe yields approximately 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers.
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference, especially if the Alfredo sauce you use is already salted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
