Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring the delightful combination of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled The more crispy, the better!
- 1 cup ranch dressing Feel free to swap for a homemade version or a lighter low-fat dressing.
- 1 cup cooked pasta Shells or penne work well. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella is recommended. Try a dairy-free option if needed.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- optional chopped green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze before baking. For a healthier option, replace bacon with turkey bacon, and use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing.