Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for midweek dinners.
Chunks of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tender pasta combined with Ranch dressing and Alfredo sauce and topped with freshly shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.
Why This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe Works
SIMPLICITY - With pre-cooked ingredients like rotisserie chicken and bacon, preparation is a breeze.
RICH FLAVOR - The combination of Ranch dressing and Alfredo sauce creates a creamy, savory base that's irresistible.
CHEESY GOODNESS - A double dose of cheese, Mozzarella, and Cheddar ensures every bite is delightfully gooey.
VERSATILITY - Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a show-stopping dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PASTA - I used penne, but you can use any other pasta. Fussili or rotini pasta are also great choices. Opt for whole grain for a healthier twist.
CHICKEN - Rotisserie or shredded cooked chicken adds protein and a tender texture. It's a great way to use leftover chicken.
BACON - I prefer thick-cut bacon, but any bacon will work.
RANCH DRESSING - You can use store-bought Ranch dressing, or if you have time, use our homemade Ranch dressing recipe.
ALFREDO SAUCE - I prefer to make my homemade Alfredo sauce, but on a busy weeknight, I have no problem grabbing the store-bought variety.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE - Grated Mozzarella melts beautifully, adding a mild, stretchy cheese layer. If I want to make the casserole extra cheesy, I might add another half a cup.
CHEDDAR CHEESE - Grated Cheddar adds a distinct, slightly sharper flavor. I used sharp white Cheddar, but you can also use regular Cheddar.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked penne, chicken, and chopped bacon. Add Ranch dressing and Alfredo sauce and stir until well combined.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the pasta mixture to the dish.
- Top with grated Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden.
Recipe Success Tips
BACON - You can also fry the bacon on the stovetop. I prefer to cook bacon in the oven because I find the bacon to be extra crispy. If you choose the oven, set the temperature to 400º Fahrenheit and cook for 15-18 minutes.
CHICKEN - When I am in a rush, I use rotisserie chicken breast. But you can also cook chicken in the oven or a pressure cooker.
CHEESE - I don't recommend you buy pre-packed cheese unless you are pressed for time. Buy a small block of both Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese. It's cheaper, and the pre-packaged cheese typically has fillers. Adding freshly grated cheese will result in cheese that melts much easier and more consistently.
Leftovers
STORE - Let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (plastic wrap also works). Make sure the cover is secure to keep out air and maintain freshness. You can also transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Store the casserole dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZE - Portion the casserole into individual servings. Place these portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date, as the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing preserves the flavors and textures quite well, but it's always best to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
REHEAT (OVEN) - Preheat your oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Transfer the desired amount of casserole to an oven-safe dish. If you take the casserole straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, which takes about 20 minutes.
REHEAT (MICROWAVE) - Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. This helps in retaining moisture and heating evenly. Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes.
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Please rate our Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe below!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken
- 12 ounces bacon cooked, chopped
- ½ cup Ranch dressing
- 15 ounces Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Combine penne pasta, rotisserie chicken, and chopped bacon with the Alfredo sauce and the Ranch dressing in a large bowl. Make sure everything is well coated.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the mixture to a large oven-proof casserole dish. Top with grated Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese.
- Cook the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until you see an evenly baked golden crust. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Volker
Looks delicious, can’t wait to try this.