Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is packed with flavor and combines chicken, pasta, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and cheese in a tasty dish! Using only a few simple ingredients, this casserole is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!
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This easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole recipe is packed with flavor and combines Seasoned chicken, chopped up bacon, Alfredo sauce, and pasta…..what more could you ask for, right??
Not only can this casserole be made in under 30 minutes, but it is also budget friendly and family approved! Comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients for this Casserole
- Bacon- cooked and crumbled, if you want an added kick, use Jalapeno Bacon
- Chicken- boneless, skinless chicken breast works best, diced or cubed
- Olive Oil- this helps coat the chicken and combine the Ranch mix evenly onto the chicken breast
- Ranch Dressing Mix
- Pasta- I used Shells, however, if you prefer Rotini or another type, feel free to substitute
- Mozzarella Cheese- shredded, try to avoid pre-packaged as it doesn’t melt as easily
- Cheddar Cheese- shredded, try to avoid pre-packaged
- Salt/Pepper- to taste
- Alfredo Sauce- any type works, even homemade if desired
How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes. Drain bacon grease from skillet and place bacon on paper towel to absorb remaining grease from bacon.
- In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add in the olive oil, diced chicken (raw still at this point), and Ranch mix.
- Shake around sealed bag to coat thoroughly.
- Add chicken to skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- In a pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain water and add pasta to greased baking dish.
- Add cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce to the pasta.
- Sprinkle both cheeses, bacon, and salt/pepper to the top of the Alfredo sauce and place dish into preheated oven.
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve!
What kind of Chicken is best for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
This recipe is best with boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces. Of course, you can use chicken thighs instead if that’s what you have on hand. You can use Rotisserie chicken in this recipe if desired, you’ll just want to omit the olive oil and toss chicken with Ranch mix. Whichever route you prefer!
Which Pasta is best for Chicken Bacon Casserole?
I prefer using shells because they are kid-friendly and tend to have great texture in this dish. However, if you prefer Rotini or Penne pasta, those are both great options as well. Farfalle works too! I have tested this with spaghetti and angel hair and although it works, the pasta tends to get over powdered with the ingredients.
What about Gluten Free Pasta?
Yes! That works great in this recipe! I used Barilla gluten-free rotini pasta and boiled it for 6 minutes. Drain the pasta, rinse it with lukewarm water and set it aside. Works great and is a great option in this recipe.
Which Alfredo Sauce to use for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
If you check out the Alfredo section of your grocery store, chances are, you may be a bit overwhelmed. So many options! My go-to sauce is Garlic Alfredo from Barilla. I love the added garlic flavor in this dish and even my kids love it. However, any type works great! In fact, you can even make a homemade alfredo to control the ingredients a bit.
How to store Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave until desired temperature is reached. This can also be enjoyed chilled once cooked.
Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole?
If you want a great freezer meal, skip the baking part and cover with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove from freezer, allow to thaw, and cook in oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
If you cook the casserole and have leftovers to freeze, store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
Side Dishes to serve with a Chicken Casserole
Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts– these crispy, flavorful Brussel sprouts are a tasty way to add greens to your meal
Cheesy Zucchini Bake– tender zucchini coated with seasonings and cheese
Lemon Garlic Asparagus– roasted asparagus coated in a lemon garlic sauce
Buttery Bread Machine Rolls– melt in your mouth, tender rolls made easily in your bread machine. Compliments this meal perfectly
Mini Garlic Monkey Bread– using pre-made biscuit dough, this monkey bread dish comes together quickly and is packed with garlic and Parmesan
Best Cheese to use for this recipe
I love using fresh Mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese in this recipe! Try to avoid using the pre-packaged cheeses as they are pre-coated with an additive to prevent clumping. Unfortunately, this causes the cheese to not melt evenly and can leave a grainy texture when eating. You can also have some fun and add in some Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack!
More Chicken Bacon Ranch recipes to try
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders– these sliders are loaded with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, Ranch seasoning, and cheese
Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta– short on time? Let the Instant Pot do all the work and enjoy this cheesy, chicken bacon pasta in a fraction of the time
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad– the ultimate dish for picnic’s, potlucks, and more!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 lb chicken, boneless/skinless, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz pasta (I used shells)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt/pepper, to taste
- 14.5 oz Alfredo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes.
- Drain bacon grease from skillet and place bacon on paper towel to absorb remaining grease from bacon.
- In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add in the olive oil, diced chicken (raw still at this point), and Ranch mix.
- Shake around sealed bag to coat thoroughly.
- Add chicken to skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- In a pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain water and add pasta to greased baking dish.
- Add cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce to the pasta.
- Sprinkle both cheeses, bacon, and salt/pepper to the top of the Alfredo sauce and place dish into preheated oven.
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve! Enjoy!
Nutrition
Recipe updated 10/03/2022
Paula
Kristin, I just found this fantastic recipe of yours and my daughter and I LOVE it! I hate shredding cheese, but I found some packaged mozzarella that melts beautifully, btw. Well, technically, it’s a combo. It’s Kraft Creamy Melt Mozzarella which has a touch of Philadelphia Cream Cheese for easy melting. And it tastes wonderful! That’s the only change I made. We can’t get enough! Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!! 💜
Kristin
Yay!! Love hearing this and so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Its a favorite in my house for sure!
Sherry
Um WOW! I thought this would be good but wasn’t expecting it to be sooooo amazingly good! I made my own alfredo and also made your brussel sprouts recipe as a side with this. Will definitely be making this again and again!
Kristin
Yay!! Love hearing this!! What a fabulous combo too! The brussel sprouts are my fav!! So glad you enjoyed both recipes!
Richard Gill
So so good, just few changes.I used 16oz rotini pasta (didn’t want divide the box), can of mushrooms, diced tomatoes with green chilies and Colby jack cheese. I used the whole pack of bacon. I definitely will be making this again.
Kristin
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed and love the changes you made, sounds delicious!!
Judy
You made a completly different casserole.
Carrie
So good! Since I make a full box of pasta and add broccoli/cauliflower to it, I use the larger jar of Alfredo Sauce & extra ranch seasoning. It has always turned out delicious! My daughter has even requested it a few times and she hates eating the same thing too often. Thanks for a simple and delicious recipe!
Kristin
What a great idea on adding veggies in! Glad to hear you all enjoy it as much as my family does!!
Katlyn
Had it tonight again. The whole family loves it. Have been cooking this for a year now. It’s always so delicious.
The only thing I tweak is, I add a whole pack of bacon bc I love bacon, & I don’t measure the cheddar cheese, I just put it realllll thick on top bc I like a lot of cheese too. I use prego Alfredo home style. THE BEST!!!!
Kristin
Yay!! Love hearing that you enjoyed it!! Can’t go wrong with extra bacon and cheese, right?!!
Maddy
What will the temp be to reheat this? I have made this several times and my family is a huge fan. There has been a death in our family and I am planning on whipping this up tomorrow to bring to them for dinner. However, I’m not sure what to tell them for temp and times in the oven to reheat?!
Kristin
So sorry to hear about the death in your family!
To reheat, I would say 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. To keep it a bit more moist, you can have them cover with foil while reheating!
Esha
Really delicious with all my favorite ingredients!
Kristin
Glad you enjoyed!!
Kristin
Yay! Glad you enjoyed!
Amy
The dish was very yummy!! It will become apart of my go to dishes for dinner!
Kristin
Yay! So glad you enjoyed!
Jean
Wonderful. Didn’t change a thing
Kristin
Yay! Glad you enjoyed!
Betty latham
If I cook this from making ahead and putting in fridge, then how long do I cook?
Kristin
Add about 15 minutes and go from there!
Missy
Made it and everyone loves it
Kristin
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Tiffany
This is amazing!!! And really easy to make!! My whole family loved it! Thanks for sharing!!
Kristin
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!
Cassie
I tried this recipe and OMG I have never eaten anything like it. Being stuck at home and trying to find more interesting cooking ideas to try this really hit the spot. Thank you so much for sharing this idea!
Kristin
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Stephanie
Thank you for the recipe! You made it easy to follow and it was delicious!!! I will definitely be making it again!
Kristin
Yea! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
Ashley
Can you do this in a crock pot ? If so … directions ?
Kristin
You can, but I would only cook the chicken in there, adding the pasta once cooked at the end. Maybe 6 hours on low for the chicken, shred and toss in the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and alfredo, tossing to coat? Season the chicken with the ranch mix and let it cook with a small amount of chicken broth. Hope that helps!
Kristin Kirchner
First time making something like this. My kids are so picky but this was a huge hit. Will make this again for sure.
Kristin
Yea!! So glad to hear it was a hit! Anything with bacon is always a hit with the kids, haha!
Tammy VanNort
can I use rice instead of noodles? my husband gets tired of noodles
Kristin
Sure! Just cook the rice and assemble in place of the pasta. The only thing the cook time in the oven is doing is to warm things up, so rice should work great too! Enjoy!
Shelly L Eby
So delicious! So easy and quick!
Kristin
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Melanie
Can I make tgis on the stove? My hubby and son are weird. They dont like casseroles in the oven or crispy cheese on top… I know, I need to trade them in because they are crazy!
Kristin
Sure! Everything is cooked prior to assembling, so you can always assemble in a pot and simply have the cheese melt on top using medium heat/stovetop.
OMAR AHMED
This recipe was awesome!! tkanks
Kristin
Yea!! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
Simply Southern
This recipe was awesome! Such great flavor. We ate this a second time around as leftovers and my son-in-law commented that this is his new favorite. I did add mushrooms and that was a great addition!
Kristin
Yea! I love hearing that! And mushrooms added sounds like a great addition!! Glad it was enjoyed!
Janet
My husband doesn’t like chicken, but he liked this dish. I didn’t have the right kind of cheese, so I used Fiesta blend instead. I thought it turned out great. Thank you for the recipe.
Kristin
Yea!! So glad it was a hit!!
Jess
This was very good! Definitely keeping this recipe and my family loved it and they are picky eaters
Kristin
Yea!! Glad it was enjoyed!!
Christine
My family loves this. I make my own alfredo sauce and put the cheeses in and mix. Pour over chicken and noodles. Then I put a little more cheese sprinkled on top with the bacon.
Kristin
Yum!! So glad you enjoy it!
Allee
When you add the Alfredo sauce to the pan after the noodles and chicken, do you stir them all together or just lay the sauce on top? Thanks!
Kristin
Either way works! Typically I am in a hurry and simply pour on top and move on. However, I have mixed it in and its just as yummy!
Sam
Delicious! Paired this with roasted asparagus and applesauce. Going to put this recipe in the regular rotation
Kristin
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Ashlei
Would this be good to make and freeze and reheat on another day?
Kristin
Absolutely! I have done that a few times and its worked great! Enjoy!
Kristin
I’m just wondering if I made a double batch should I put it in a 9×13 pan?? I’m excited to try this for tonight but I want to make sure there’s enough for all of us lol
Kristin
Hi!! Yep, put it in a 9×13 pan if doubling! Hope you enjoy! Keep me posted!
Bob
Great dish, definitely a keeper!
Kristin
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Tina
Made this tonight for my picky 5 year old granddaughters and they loved it!
Kristin
Yea!! Glad it was a hit!!
Crissy
Absolutely amazing! I forgot to get bacon this time but both times I’ve made this, we’ve loved it!
Kristin
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Kimberly K
Is there a way I could use rotisserie chicken with the dry ranch packet? Thanks for the recipe it looks delicious
Kristin
Sure! You could simply toss the chicken and ranch mix together prior to adding to the casserole! It will still season it and work great!
Tina
My husband liked this dish. I wish it had been a little creamier
Kristin
You can always add a bit more alfredo sauce to make it creamier!! Glad it was enjoyed!
Merrideth
Woah that looks amazing! Your pictures are fantastic too! I can’t wait to try this. I’ll have to put bacon on only half of it though since the bf doesn’t like it! (I know, who doesn’t like bacon?)
Kristin
Doesn’t like bacon?!?! Wow! I don’t know what I would do without bacon, LOL!! Hope you enjoy this! Its a favorite in my house!
Mom that didn't pay attention in math class
How would you alter this recipe for a 13×9 dish?
Kristin
You can make this in a 13×9, it just wont be as full of a pan. Or, you can double the recipe and it will fit great!
Stephanie, One Caring Mom
I saw this on Pinterest and the picture…oooh my goodness. It looks absolutely incredible. I knew that no matter what was in it, it would HAVE to be delicious. But when I read the ingredient list I knew it was meant for me. It has all my favorites and I can’t wait to try it!!
Kristin
Oh you will DEFINITELY love this!! Its a family favorite and number one recipe on the blog! Creamy, cheesy, bacon, chicken, and more! Yum!! Hope you enjoy it!!
Barbara
I made this and added broccoli, I doubled up the recipe and the family still finished almost all of it. It was very good
Kristin
Great idea adding a veggie in!! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Kelly
OMG. Thank you thank you thank you!! Im a ranch freak, and was worried I wasn’t going to taste much ranch because I cooked the seasoned chicken in the bacon grease instead of using olive oil, and I used an extra half packet of ranch mix to season my Alfredo noodles. Holy Moly!!! Awesome!
Kristin
Hehe, so glad you enjoyed this! 🙂
Bert Corbell
This looks scrumptious – mu hubby’s favorite is a good casserol!
Kristin
Then he definitely would love this! Enjoy!!
Chris
After all ingredients are mixed, can this be frozen and baked at a later date?
Kristin
Absolutely! Freezes great!
Jennie
This is one of my verrrry favorite dishes, prepared just as the recipe specifies. Too many comments to read, so Im wondering if it freezes qell? Asking for a friend. Thanks!
Kristin
So glad you enjoy this!! Yep, it freezes perfectly! The noodles may be a tad mushier than before, but just as yummy! I have frozen our leftovers before and had no complaints the next time I thawed and served! Enjoy!
Lynea
I’ve been trying to get my 14 year old to make dinner once a week, and this is what she chose for tonight… can’t wait to try it!
Kristin
Oh how fun! Hope you all enjoy it! How neat that she will be making this!
Amanda
I’ve made this a couple times for my family and it’s a hit. We all loved it. Recently my husband and I went low carb. For dinner tonight I made one pan following your recipe and one pan following your recipe except subbing cauliflower for the noodles. It worked and still tastes really good. Thanks for the recipe.
Kristin
That’s great to know that it works great with cauliflower! Thanks for the tip! Glad you enjoyed!!
Desiree Kunze
Why does the pasta have to be al dente?
Kristin
That is just how I prefer it after trying it a few different ways. However, if you prefer a shorter or longer cook time, no problem at all! Enjoy!
Tabitha Williams
Would I be able to make this in a Dutch oven and still put it in the oven? Would the bake time change? TIA
Kristin
Absolutely! That would work just fine! I would decrease the time by about 10 minutes and just keep an eye on it from there!
Patrica Dailey
Have not tried it yet ,looks gpreat! ! Thanks! !
Kristin
Hope you enjoy it!!
Mary
im notorious for setting a recipe and adding my own touches, so i apologize in advance! i made this tonight, but i used evaporated milk and smoked Gouda as my sauce. i whisked some chicken bullion, a touch of crushed red pepper and ranch seasoning in the milk, substituted real butter for oil, added in some finely chopped green onion and sweet red pepper. just at the last, i sprinkled on some sharp cheddar, bacon, smoked paprika and just a dash of chives. dear Lord. heaven!
Amber K
Do you think this would be okay to make in a crock pot.. trying to figure out how to warm it for a potluck
Kristin
Hmmm, I have never tried it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work great! If you try it, be sure to let me know!
Victoria
My family loved it, thank you soooo much for your recipes. How do I send you a picture of my dish?
Kristin
Yea! I am so glad it was a hit!! Anytime you have a picture to share, I love to have it posted on my FB page, https://www.facebook.com/CookinChicks
Cant wait to see it!!
Tasha
Can you freeze this?
Kristin
Before or after cooking are you referring to? I have some of this in my freezer right now from the other night, so leftovers freeze great. As for freezing prior to cooking, I am not sure, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work out great!
Faye
It says 9 x 9 baking dish. I’m not familiar with a 9 x 9 baking dish. Should it be 8 x 8 or 9 x 13? Thanks.
Kristin
I have a casserole dish that is a bit off on size, hence the 9 x 9, sorry about that! An 8 x 8 works great as well!!
Kathy
I made this last night and it was a big hit! Easy and good, love that combination. I will be making it again!
Kristin
Yea!!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
ruth amis
wish these recipes were easy for us in the UK!! we dont have a dried ranch dressing!! i find this a lot with these wonderful recipes – so disappointing
x
Kristin
Here is a “diy” version of dried ranch dressing you can make at home! Enjoy! https://allrecipes.com/recipe/85504/dry-ranch-style-seasoning-for-dip-or-dressing/
JAMES MADISON
Has anyone tried this in the crockpot. Maybe add the pasta, sprinkle cheese, and bacon at the end?
Kristin
I haven’t, but I bet that would work great! Maybe add in already cooked pasta and bacon towards the end? Keep me posted if you try it!
Melinda
Could you use real bacon bit and can chicken breast meat?….Was thinking that would make it even quicker to prepare.
Kristin
For sure!! That would definitely make this dish even easier to prepare! Enjoy!!
Teresa
I am thinking about making a double recipe and just wondering, if it doesn’t get eat to well, how long can store refrigerated and can this be frozen?
Kristin
I am not sure about freezing this as the pasta might get mushy when thawed out. As for refrigerating this, I would say up to 3 days!!
Sandra Wilson
Can someone recommend a good jar alfredo sauce?
Kristin
I really like Bertolli Garlic Alfredo personally 🙂
Stephanie
Just made this for dinner and I wouldn’t change a thing! It was delicious!
Kristin
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Juanita
I think I would try this with some thawed hash browns.
Kristin
I bet that would be yummy! Great idea!
kristin hoffman
I have a guy friend who doesn’t like alfredo sauce. I’m going to make a white sauce and mix the ranch packet with it. Wish me luck.
Kristin
Good luck!! Hope you both enjoy it!!
Dory
Do you mix the chicken and Alfredo sauce with the pasta or just put it on top?
Kristin
Nope, just put it at the top, no need to mix it in!!
Emanuelle Lovecraft
I made this for my family last night and it was a complete hit! Even my super picky husband enjoyed it! I used Barilla Fiber Plus penne as the pasta base. It was perfect! Thank you so much for posting this!
Kristin
Yea!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!!
Leslie
Do you have any nutritional information is calories per serving and serving size?
Kristin
Hi!! There are 6 servings in this dish and each serving has about 803 calories. Not the healthiest, but sure worth it hehe! Enjoy!!
Peyton McCracken
What side dish would you recommend with this dish? Im making it for my boyfriend and thought about mashed potatoes but I feel like that is too heavy to go with the pasta and too starchy. Do you think mashed potatoes would be ok or do you have any recommendations?
Kristin
I typically serve a veggie and salad with this, or salad and crescent rolls. I think mashed potatoes might be a bit heavy as a side for this, but then again, I love potatoes and can’t ever turn them away, haha!! Hope that helps! Enjoy!!
Colleen Brzykcy
I made this on Saturday and it was delicious! Served with a salad and garlic butter bread sticks …. Simply amazing and definitely different- exactly what I’ve been looking for. This recipe will stay in our dinner list ?
Kristin
Yea! So glad you all enjoyed it!!
wendy
How much is the serving size?
Kristin
About 1 1/2 cups is a serving size in this recipe!
Anonymous
Made this dish for dinner for my family!! We loved it… So nice an favor full ? Thanks for the recipe! This is be added to my holidays meals as well?❤️
Kristin
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!!! <3
Denise
This looks amazing, will try this tonight with some bread sticks and salad, hope the kids will enjoy this, thanks
Kristin
My kids love this, so hopefully yours will too!! Enjoy!!
Ginger
What’s good on the side with this
Kristin
I always make a salad with this and either a veggie or some fresh fruit!!
SUSAN TEETER
BRIAN WEST is posting this recipe and the pictures as his on this FB site—-https://www.facebook.com/groups/45749664303/
Kristin
Oh wow!! Thank you so much for catching that, I have messaged him and hope he will correct the issue! Thanks for letting me know!!!
Peggy C
I also use thin spaghetti noodles instead of Rotini pasta sometimes…so many different ways to enjoy pasta dinners…I don’t always have the exact ingredients on hand so I improvise…This one is awesome…Thanks for sharing this casserole dish…I love pasta
Kristin
Great ideas on changing this up, sounds yummy!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Peggy C
I forgot to mention that I added 6 oz shredded parmesan cheese to the soup and milk mixture once it was heated- this instead of jar Alfredo Sauce…It was even better the next day when we warmed it up
Peggy C
I have used cream of chicken soup with about 1/2 can of milk or cream for this recipe and sauteed mushrooms
Denise
Would ranch dressing work just as good as the dry packet?
Kristin
It should, but since its more liquidy than the dry packet, I would decrease the Alfredo a bit 🙂
Judy Fisher
How many servings does this make?
Kristin
This makes 8 servings!!
jamie
what would you use instead of Alfredo sauce
Kristin
Hmmmm……I’m not sure what other sauce you could use as a red sauce wouldn’t really go well with this….
Maybe a white wine garlic type sauce?
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!!
Marlene Daniels
What size jar of Alfredo sauce and when do you add the bacon? Sounds yummy.
Kristin
Oops, sorry about that. I have corrected the recipe to include that information, but the size jar is 14.5 oz. You add the bacon when you sprinkle on the cheese. Thanks for catching that! Enjoy!!