Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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!

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

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 9 baking dish.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes. Drain bacon grease from skillet and place bacon on paper towel to absorb remaining grease from bacon.
4. In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add in the olive oil, diced chicken (raw still at this point), and Ranch mix.
5. Shake around sealed bag to coat thoroughly.
6. Add chicken to skillet and cook until no longer pink.
7. In a pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain water and add pasta to greased baking dish.
8. Add cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce to the pasta.
9. Sprinkle both cheeses, bacon, and salt/pepper to the top of the Alfredo sauce and place dish into preheated oven.
10. Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
11. 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!