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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole!

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe (Creamy & Cheesy)

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s an easy family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta, rotini, or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • Green onions for topping
  • Extra crispy bacon pieces
  • Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta in salted water until slightly al dente according to package directions.
  3. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
  6. Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
  7. Mix in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

3. Combine the Casserole

  1. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon to the sauce.
  2. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.

4. Bake

  1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  3. Garnish with green onions or extra ranch seasoning if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Fresh dinner rolls

Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
  • Cook bacon until extra crispy so it stays flavorful in the casserole.
  • Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Add a little hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy ranch version.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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