Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch-seasoned Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it features penne pasta baked to perfection with mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning
Meats
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven to ensure even cooking and optimal melting of the casserole.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for one minute less than the package instructions to keep the pasta firm for baking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta and sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet on top. Toss gently to evenly coat the pasta with sauce and seasoning.
- Add Chicken and Bacon: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken and half of the cooked bacon pieces into the pasta mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the remaining bacon pieces on the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Optional Broil: For a golden browned cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic when cooking the bacon.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra tenderness to the dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta before baking; it should be slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- If you prefer less bacon grease, pat the bacon pieces dry completely before adding to the casserole.
- The optional broiling step adds a nice golden crust but watch closely to prevent burning.
