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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

Enjoy a Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a creamy, cheesy dish with chicken and bacon that promises to please your family. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 6 slices Bacon Adds a crispy, smoky flavor; turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative.
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Juicy meat that holds up well during baking; boneless, skinless breasts work too.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used to cook the chicken and enhance flavor; any cooking oil serves as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Imparts tangy, herby notes; adjust the amount based on your family's preference.
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta The perfect base for holding the sauce; you can swap it for penne or any pasta shape you prefer.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Adds that delicious stretchy gooeyness; other melting cheeses, like Monterey Jack, can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese Provides a sharp and rich flavor; feel free to omit for a lighter dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For a pop of color and fresh taste; dried parsley can substitute, just adjust the amount.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Essential for the creamy alfredo sauce base; use salted butter but reduce added salt.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Provides aromatic depth; garlic powder can be used as a quick substitute.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Makes the alfredo deliciously rich; you can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds umami flavor and thickens the sauce; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Necessary for seasoning; sea salt and regular pepper will do the trick.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Necessary for seasoning; sea salt and regular pepper will do the trick.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Enhances presentation; chop finely for a fresh touch on top of your casserole.

Equipment

  • 9x9 baking dish
  • medium saucepan
  • skillet
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, add 6 slices of diced bacon. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
  4. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and golden brown, then set aside.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, alfredo sauce, sautéed chicken, and crispy bacon to the baking dish. Gently mix until well combined.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For an extra creamy dish, consider doubling the alfredo sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

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