Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese with Bacon
User Reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 -10
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Calories
829 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese with Bacon
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This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese is the ultimate pasta dinner. With a rich and cheesy sauce, salty bacon, and ranch seasoning — it’s full of delicious flavor!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow pasta uncooked
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half and half
- 1 ounce package ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3 cups chicken cooked and shredded (3 breasts)
- 10 lices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- crumbled bacon bits
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions for al dente and drain, saving 1-2 cups pasta water.
- During the time the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan with deep sides. Add all-purpose flour and cook and stir for 1 minute over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in half-and-half about ¾ cup at a time. Once all liquid is added, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes, stir regularly.
- Add sea salt, ground black pepper, and ranch seasoning.
- Remove from heat then stir in Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of each cheese-mozzarella and cheddar cheese, until melted.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta and bacon and stir to combine.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar. Bake, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with additional bacon and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Shred the cheese yourself: Shredding your own cheese, rather than using pre-shredded, helps it melt better since it doesn't have an anti-caking coating.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until it's nearly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking may result in a mushy texture.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: Instead of transferring the casserole to a baking dish, leave it in a large oven-safe skillet and bake it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
829kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
54g
(18%)
Protein
42g
(84%)
Fat
49g
(75%)
Saturated Fat
25g
(125%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
162mg
(54%)
Sodium
1375mg
(57%)
Potassium
604mg
(17%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1108IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
563mg
(56%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8-10
Amount Per Serving
Calories 829 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 829kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 49g | 75% |
| Saturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 162mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 1375mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 604mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1108IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 563mg | 56% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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