Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
37 mins
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Total Time
47 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
610 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Description
This casserole uses penne pasta cooked al dente, mixed with a sauce blending cream cheese, broth, half-and-half, and ranch seasoning. Crisp bacon bits and shredded cooked chicken are stirred into the mixture. The top is layered with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese along with additional bacon pieces. Baking at 375°F until bubbly melts the cheese and unites the flavors.
The ranch seasoning can be replaced with a homemade blend including parsley, dill, onion and garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chives for a fresher taste. The creamy texture of the sauce complements the chewy pasta and smoky bacon, creating a comforting dish suitable for family dinners.
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of penne pasta and approximately 6 slices of bacon. Adjust seasoning to taste after combining the sauce ingredients. The protected baking dish and timing help develop a golden, melted cheese crust.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked, approx. 2 cups
- 6 lices Bacon
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings add butter if needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix or homemade spice blend below
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 2 cups chicken cooked shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat just until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan (add butter if needed).
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and melted. Gradually add in the broth and cream whisking until smooth. Stir in the ranch seasoning.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt & pepper if desired.
- Add the drained pasta, chicken, and sauce to the prepared baking dish. Mix everything together and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with bacon. Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- For a homemade ranch seasoning, mix dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried chives.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 610 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 610 | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 138mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 727mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 345mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1109IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 361mg | 36% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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