Description
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, tender pasta, and a rich ranch-flavored creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make ahead or freeze for later.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced – provides lean protein and flavor base
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – adds smoky, crispy texture
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini) – holds the creamy sauce perfectly
- 1 cup ranch dressing – infuses zesty, herby flavor
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – adds creamy richness
- 1 cup sour cream – balances the richness with tang
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – creates melty, cheesy goodness
- 1 tsp garlic powder – enhances savory depth
- 1 tsp onion powder – adds mild sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste – brings all flavors together
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook diced chicken until golden and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture and stir well.
- Fold in the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best smoky flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Shred your own cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy chicken bacon ranch casserole, chicken ranch pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, family dinner, comfort food recipe