Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
215 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
Description
This take on mac and cheese starts by cooking pasta and roasting seasoned chicken with ranch seasoning. Cauliflower florets and cooked pasta are mixed with the chicken, and additional ranch seasoning is added for flavor consistency. Crumbled bacon and condensed cheddar cheese soup create a creamy, savory sauce.
The mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then baked until the cheese melts and browns slightly, adding a golden crust. The combination of tender pasta, soft cauliflower, and crisp bacon makes for a layered texture experience.
This dish is suitable as a main or side and balances protein, vegetables, and comfort-food elements. Using cauliflower adds a mild vegetable note and some nutritional balance. The recipe’s baking step melts cheese evenly and enhances flavor meld.
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken:
- 1.25 lb. chicken breast cut into bite size pieces, 20 oz
- 1/2 packet ranch seasoning 15g
Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese:
- 1 + ½ cup elbow macaroni or pasta of choice, 168g
- 1 (10.8oz) cauliflower microwaved and cut into bite size pieces (I used Birds Eye Steamfresh, frozen, in bag
- 1/2 packet ranch seasoning 15g
- 2 Bacon crumbled (I used thick sliced uncured smoked bacon with 2.5g of fat per slice, slices
- 1 (10.75oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup Campbell's Healthy Request brand, canned
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese 2%, shredded, 28g
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded, 2%, 28g
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F.
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta. When done, drain and set aside.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and set to medium-high heat. Add the chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss/stir until the chicken is evenly coated, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower, pasta and other half of the ranch seasoning. Toss to combine.
- Then, add the bacon and cheddar cheese soup to the skillet and stir until until everything is mixed evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 13x9" baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheeses.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is to desired brownness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 215 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8 of dish (172g) | |
| Calories | 215kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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