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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce) or 3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets or frozen peas (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste (ranch and bacon are salty; taste before adding)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente (1–2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.
  3. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add olive oil or butter to the pan if needed. Sauté onion over medium heat until soft, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make the sauce base: Sprinkle in ranch seasoning. Stir in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add creaminess: Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, and black pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, half the bacon, and any veggies (broccoli or peas). Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Assemble: Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and the rest of the bacon.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
  10. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.