Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz pasta (shells work great)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 14.5 oz Alfredo sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain the excess grease, and place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine the olive oil, diced chicken, and Ranch dressing mix. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the greased baking dish.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add it to the baking dish with the pasta.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and pasta in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Alfredo sauce.
- Add the chopped bacon on top of the cheese layer.
- Season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole and enjoy
here are some tips to make your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole even more delicious:
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in the olive oil and Ranch dressing mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality bacon, chicken, and cheeses for the best flavor. Freshly shredded cheese will melt more evenly and result in a creamier texture.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding some diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the casserole for added texture and nutrition. Sauté them along with the chicken for extra flavor.
- Customize the Pasta: While shells work well in this recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used to suit dietary preferences.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce: If you have the time, consider making your own Alfredo sauce from scratch for a fresher and more flavorful option. You can find many easy recipes online, or adapt your favorite recipe to suit your taste.
- Layering: Layering the ingredients in the baking dish ensures that each bite is flavorful and well-balanced. Start with the pasta, followed by the chicken, Alfredo sauce, cheeses, and finally, the bacon.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Serve with Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole by serving it with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens will complement the flavors of the dish nicely.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning can add extra depth of flavor to the casserole.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole and make it a memorable dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy
