Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a rich and comforting family dinner.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the casserole.
- large pot For cooking the pasta.
- large mixing bowl For combining the pasta, sauce, chicken, bacon, and cheese.
- skillet For frying the bacon.
- mixing spoon For mixing the casserole ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh meat, shredded
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Boil pasta until al dente and drain.
- Fry bacon until crisp, then crumble. Mix cream cheese, ranch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in chicken and half the bacon.
- Combine pasta, sauce mixture, and half the cheddar and mozzarella in a large bowl.
- Transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and reserved bacon.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cook the pasta until al dente before combining it with the creamy ranch mixture. Reserve half of the bacon and cheeses for topping the casserole before baking.