Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and alfredo sauce, all perfectly tossed with pasta and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne recommended)
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
Protein and Toppings
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it for one minute less than the package’s instructions to ensure it remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, add the drained pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly. Toss gently to coat all the pasta thoroughly. Add the shredded chicken and half of the cooked bacon, mixing again to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the pasta mixture out evenly in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then scatter the remaining bacon pieces over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbling. For a golden, browned cheese topping, optionally broil the casserole for a few minutes afterward, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut to save time.
- Broiling is optional but gives the cheese a delicious golden-brown finish.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta during boiling; undercooking slightly helps prevent mushiness after baking.
- Thick-cut bacon provides a great texture contrast but regular bacon works well too.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready.
