Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or your favorite short pasta); 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces; 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce; 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix; 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Is there anything better than a warm, cheesy casserole on a busy weeknight? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is an absolute lifesaver for those nights when you want something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious! With just 6 ingredients, you’re only minutes away from a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?

Let’s dive in and whip up this irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used penne)
6 strips bacon (thick cut works great) – cut into small pieces
1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
2 cups mozzarella, shredded

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions to ensure it doesn’t get mushy later.
Prepare the bacon: While the pasta is cooking, cut the bacon into small pieces (using kitchen shears makes this super quick!) and fry it in a skillet until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Assemble the casserole: Drain the pasta and add it to a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta, sprinkle the ranch seasoning, and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Add the shredded chicken and half of the cooked bacon, and toss again to mix everything.
Top with cheese and bacon: Spread the mixture into an even layer, top it with the shredded mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
Bake: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly. For an extra golden touch, broil it for a few minutes at the end (just keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese).
Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, then savor all that creamy, cheesy goodness!

Details and Nutritional Information

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the recipe)
Calories: 563 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 126mg

Helpful Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, it’s essential to take it out of the water a minute earlier than the package directions to keep it from becoming too soft.
Broiling is key: Broiling the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end adds a delicious golden crust to the cheese, making every bite even better!

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free: Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
Protein options: While rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, you can use leftover grilled chicken or even turkey for a post-holiday twist.
Add some veggies: Throw in some steamed broccoli or spinach to add extra nutrients and color to the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold onto the sauce and ensure every bite is coated with cheesy goodness!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake until hot.

Now that you know how simple it is to whip up this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, I’m sure it’ll be in your weekly dinner rotation in no time! Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!