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Let me share one of my family's favorite comfort food dinners - chicken bacon ranch casserole! This dish is pure cozy goodness with tender pasta creamy cheese and crispy bacon all wrapped up in zesty ranch flavor. I love how it comes together quickly on busy nights but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Every time I make this casserole my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma. The way the creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta and that melty cheese pulls into perfect stretchy bites it's just magical. This is one of those recipes that never fails to make everyone happy.
Everything You Need
- Chicken: About two pounds cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Penne: One box cooked just until al dente.
- Bacon: A whole package crispy and chopped.
- Ranch Mix: Three tablespoons gives perfect flavor.
- Butter: Eight tablespoons unsalted is best.
- Onion: About two thirds cup nicely chopped.
- Fresh Garlic: Two teaspoons minced.
- Flour: Half cup for thickening.
- Broth: Three cups I use low sodium.
- Heavy Cream: One cup makes it extra rich.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: One can adds body.
- Italian Cheese: Three cups freshly grated is best.
Let's Make It Together
- Get Everything Ready
- Start your oven at 350°F grease your baking dish cook that pasta and crisp up your bacon.
- Season Those Chicken Pieces
- Toss chicken with ranch mix salt and pepper then cook it up in some butter until golden.
- Make Your Sauce
- In that same pan melt butter cook onions and garlic add flour and seasonings then whisk in your liquids until creamy.
- Put It All Together
- Mix your chicken pasta and most of the bacon with that sauce pour it in your dish top with cheese and remaining bacon.
- Bake Until Bubbly
- About 25 minutes until everything's hot and melty let it rest a few minutes before serving.
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Where This Recipe Came From
This casserole reminds me of those wonderful potluck dinners where everyone brings their best dish. I've tweaked it over the years until it became this perfect combination of flavors that my family now requests all the time.
That Amazing Ranch Flavor
The ranch seasoning is what makes this dish special. It adds this perfect tangy kick that works so well with the creamy sauce. Sometimes I'll add a little extra because we love that ranch flavor so much.
All About That Bacon
Don't skip the bacon! Those crispy smoky bits throughout the casserole make every bite exciting. I like saving some for the top too gets extra crispy while it bakes.
Creamy Dreamy Sauce
This sauce is everything. The combination of broth cream and soup creates the most amazing creamy texture. It coats every piece of pasta perfectly you'll want to lick your plate clean.
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Perfect Pasta Every Time
Here's my secret cook your pasta just until al dente. It'll keep cooking in the oven and nobody likes mushy pasta. Trust me that little bit of bite makes all the difference.
Choosing Your Cheese
While I love using Italian cheese blend try playing around with different combinations. Just remember to grate it yourself pre-shredded doesn't melt as nicely.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I'll toss in some colorful bell peppers or broccoli. My spice-loving husband adds jalapeños to his portion. Feel free to experiment that's what makes cooking fun.
Prep Ahead Tips
Need this for a busy night? Assemble everything the day before cover and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready.
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Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for several days. A splash of milk when reheating brings the sauce right back to life.
Freezer Friendly
I often make two and freeze one before baking. Just wrap it well thaw overnight when you need it. Such a lifesaver on those crazy busy days.
What to Serve With It
We love this with a crisp green salad on the side helps balance out all that creamy goodness. Some garlic bread for sauce-soaking never hurts either.
Safety First
Make sure your chicken is cooked through to 165°F. Since we pre-cook it anyway this usually isn't an issue but it's always good to check.
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Fixing Common Problems
If your casserole seems dry just add a splash of milk or broth before reheating. The pasta can soak up sauce as it sits so this brings back that creamy texture.
Switching Things Up
Sometimes I use leftover turkey or even rotisserie chicken. Each version has its own charm just keep the amounts about the same.
Perfect for Sharing
This is my go-to potluck dish. It travels well stays hot for ages and always gets rave reviews. Don't forget to bring copies of the recipe everyone asks for it.
Pure Comfort Food
There's just something about this casserole that makes everyone happy. Maybe it's the creamy sauce or that perfect blend of ranch and bacon whatever it is it's become our ultimate comfort food dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions.
- → Why shouldn't I use pre-shredded cheese?
- Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent clumping in the bag. These additives also prevent the cheese from melting smoothly in your casserole. For best results, buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
- This casserole freezes well after baking. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- → What sides go well with this casserole?
- This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also make great accompaniments to help soak up the creamy sauce.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
- Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe as a time-saving option. Simply shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skip the chicken cooking step in the instructions.