Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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Indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken bacon ranch casserole dish with pasta. You will love this comforting weeknight meal idea.

Have you been looking for a delicious last-minute dinner idea? Give this chicken casserole with ranch seasoning a try.

This savory dish is sure to become a mainstay in your weekly meal rotation, with its simple and flavorful ingredients. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it's also an excellent choice for those on a budget.

This creamy and savory casserole is perfect for any occasion. The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch creates an irresistible flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Tips
Serving suggestions
Storage
FAQ
Related Recipes
Recipe
Comments

Ingredients

This flavorful dish requires only a few simple ingredients. It's also a tasty way to use up any leftover chicken.

Here are the ingredients used to make this recipe:

pasta
sour cream
buttermilk
garlic
dried parsley
dried dill
dried chives
salt and pepper
mozzarella cheese
Alfredo sauce
cooked bacon
cooked skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preheat the oven and lightly grease a mini baking dish to start making the chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe.

Alfredo sauce with ranch seasonings added.

Add sour cream, garlic, parsley, dill, black pepper, Alfredo sauce, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese in a medium-sized bowl.

Toss to combine the ingredients into a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked chicken pieces and pasta to the mixing bowl.

Mix gently to coat the chicken and pasta with the sauce.

Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon pieces over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is melted and browned.

Variations

This chicken bacon ranch casserole has numerous ways to add flavor and make it different from the original recipe.

Substitute turkey for the chicken to add a unique taste while keeping the dish healthy.
Switch out the type of cheese used in the recipe. Instead of cheddar, try using pepper jack or gouda for more depth in flavor.
Swap the traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that won't sacrifice taste.
Throw in caramelized onions or roasted garlic to enhance both texture and flavor.
Use a pre-made dry ranch seasoning mix instead of your own homemade ranch seasoning blend for the ranch flavor.
Try using cream cheese in place of sour cream.
Add vegetables like chopped broccoli florets.
Top your chicken bacon ranch casserole with shredded cheddar cheese before putting it in the oven. The melted cheese on top will create a gooey layer of deliciousness.
Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes directly into the casserole before baking it. This will give it an added depth of heat that pairs perfectly with the cool and creamy ranch dressing.

These are just a few variations of this classic recipe. Get creative and experiment with your own ideas.

Tips

Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't turn mushy in the oven.
Make sure the chicken has been seasoned with salt and pepper.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Closeup of casserole with spoonful missing.

Serving suggestions

For those looking to add an extra dimension of flavor to their chicken bacon ranch casserole, many serving suggestions can help elevate this classic dish. One option is to top the casserole with a generous helping of crispy breadcrumbs or panko crumbs, creating a satisfying crunch and texture contrast.

Another suggestion is to serve the casserole with a side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which will help cut through the richness of the chicken and bacon. Or try pairing it with a chopped Greek salad or broccoli salad.

Storage

To store it, the best option is to put it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The casserole can be stored for up to four days. It's important to make sure that you cover the container tightly so that no air can get in and spoil the food.

If you have leftovers, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. To do this, transfer the dish into a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it again, thaw the casserole overnight in your refrigerator and reheat it until warmed before serving.

FAQ

Can the casserole be made ahead?

Yes, a chicken bacon ranch casserole with pasta can be made ahead of time. This is a great dish to make in advance because the flavors will have time to meld together, and it will be even tastier when served.

How would I add vegetables to the casserole?

You can reduce the amount of pasta and add in some chopped vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes.

Can potatoes be used instead of pasta?

Yes, potatoes can be used instead of pasta in a chicken bacon ranch casserole. Potatoes are a great substitute for pasta because they are more nutrient-dense and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the casserole. You should partially cook them before adding then bake until they are fork tender.

Serving of chicken pasta casserole on plate.

Want a few more tasty chicken dishes? Give one of these a try too.

Chicken pot pie casserole is warm and cozy any day of the week.
Grilled BBQ boneless chicken is perfect for summer grilling.
Creamy chicken curry is a quick and easy dish for busy nights.
Air fryer wings from frozen are much healthier than fried ones.
Panko chicken is an easy-to-make baked meal entree.

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