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Want to make something you know your kids will eat? This chicken bacon ranch casserole is it! I can’t tell you how delicious this casserole is! The combination of flavors is perfection! You have to try it!
A Reader’s Review
We’ve made this recipe several times now and just love it. I’ve even shared it with people and they love it too. It’s easy and delicious. Thank you for this great recipe!
Bacon, Ranch & All the Reasons to Love It
- Ranch Lovers Dream: That creamy, tangy ranch flavor takes it over the top.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Crispy bacon bits in every bite? Yes, please!
- Family Favorite: My kids love it when this is on the menu! I like to pair it with garlic Brussels sprouts or air fryer broccoli for veggie goodness.
What is in Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Ingredient Tips & Variations
- Pasta: You can use bowties or elbow noodles in place of the penne. Any short pasta will work great!
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or use Fiesta Ranch instead of regular.
- Alfredo Sauce: Try my delicious homemade Alfredo sauce, or use store bought to make it easier.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: You can use a store bought mix or make your own using my ranch seasoning recipe.
- Add Some Vegetables: If you want, you can add some par-cooked broccoli, carrots, peas, diced red onions, or even some chopped jalapeños for some heat! I suggest adding about 2 cups total of vegetables.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
If you need a meal to whip up on a crazy weeknight, this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is it! We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal prep, and major flavor. It’s weeknight comfort food everyone will love!
- Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375ºF, then spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the pasta just until al dente, following the package directions but shaving off a minute or two. Noodles will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the shredded chicken, half of the bacon, Alfredo sauce, ranch seasoning, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan.
- Mix well: Stir until combined and season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly combined, then transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining bacon, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and browning. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 15–20 minutes to the cook time to account for the chill.
How to Store Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: Store chicken bacon ranch casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: I do not recommend freezing this casserole, as the sauce and cheese can become grainy when thawed.
- To Reheat: Heat in the oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast about 1 pound
- 8 slices chopped crispy bacon
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning about 2 tablespoons
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta according to the package directions, though you can cook it a couple of minutes less than called for if you prefer more al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.
- Mix 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, half of the 8 slices chopped crispy bacon, 3 cups Alfredo sauce, 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning, half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly combined. Then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining bacon, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and browning. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
If you’re looking for more casserole recipes that are family-friendly and very easy to make, we’ve got you covered! Try this Big Mac casserole, this King Ranch casserole, or my favorite cowboy casserole next!
We’ve made this recipe several times now and just love it. I’ve even shared it with people and they love it too. It’s easy and delicious. Thank you for this great recipe!
My super picky husband loves this! I thought it was really good too and have made this twice already. I appreciate how quick and easy it is to make.
This is delicious! I added frozen broccoli to the mix before baking and used gluten free penne. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Hi! Alyssa, I really enjoy the simplicity and delicious sounding recipes; however, I would really appreciate knowing how many pounds, or pieces of chicken breast, ground beef, cans of something, it would take to actually make your recipes; especially for smaller servings, i.e 2-4. Thank you so much for your prompt reply to this matter.
Hi!! I am happy to help! Typically 2-3 chicken breast equal about 1 lb of chicken. 1 cup of shredded chicken is usually equal to about 1 chicken breast.