Description
Creamy comfort meets Southern hospitality in this irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, blending hearty ingredients with zesty ranch flavors. Cheesy layers and crispy bacon create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken, boneless/skinless, diced
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (shells recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) Alfredo sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, aiming for al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the chicken.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat turns completely opaque and reaches a safe internal temperature, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the dry Ranch dressing mix over the cooked chicken, tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the zesty seasoning.
- Incorporate crispy bacon pieces and creamy Alfredo sauce into the skillet, stirring to create a rich, flavorful mixture.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce combination, making sure each pasta strand is generously coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Create a lavish cheese topping by generously sprinkling both mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium ranch mix to control salt levels for health-conscious eaters.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary restrictions.
- Crisp bacon beforehand ensures maximum flavor and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
- For a lighter version, replace Alfredo sauce with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream sauce to reduce calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 563
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg