Easy Bacon Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Additional Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
570 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Bacon Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Description
In this recipe, short pasta such as elbow or penne is baked alongside a block of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk in a 9x13-inch dish. Initial gentle stirring combines the pasta and cheeses with added garlic paste, salt, and black pepper, while ranch dressing drizzled on top adds tang and herbaceous notes. Baking uncovered at 350°F for 50 minutes allows the pasta to cook fully while the cheeses melt and blend into a rich sauce. After baking, stirring incorporates the softened cream cheese evenly, thickening the sauce and enhancing creaminess.
Finishing by folding in shredded rotisserie chicken and diced cooked bacon adds protein and smoky flavor contrast. The result is a thick, creamy mac and cheese with rich ranch undertones, tender chicken bites, and crisp bacon pieces. The slight film that forms during baking is stirred back in for a smooth finish. This dish works well as a comforting main or a hearty side.
Serving warm showcases the sauce’s richness and melded flavors. The recipe notes that the pasta cooks as it bakes, making it nearly a one-dish meal. Omitting the chicken simplifies it to a bacon ranch mac and cheese. Allowing the casserole to rest post-baking helps thicken the sauce further before adding the toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta such as elbow or penne
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ rotisserie chicken shredded
- 6 lices Bacon diced, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the block of cream cheese in the center of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add the pasta around the cream cheese block.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese and pour the milk over the top of the pasta.
- Gently stir together the pasta mixture, leaving the cream cheese whole.
- Add the garlic paste, salt, and pepper to the pasta, and mix again.
- Drizzle 1 cup of ranch over the entire pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes uncovered.
- Remove from the oven and stir everything together, including the cream cheese, then let rest for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened.
- Add the chicken and bacon and stir until combined before serving.
Notes
- The pasta cooks thoroughly in the oven while the cheese sauce forms, making this a nearly one-dish meal.
- It's normal for a thin film to form on top during baking; stirring it back in after baking restores smoothness.
- Allow the dish to rest for 15 to 20 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens and the pasta finishes cooking evenly.
- You can omit the chicken to make a bacon-only mac and cheese variation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 570 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 570kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21g | 124% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1178mg | 49% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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