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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole delights!


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  • Author: Bella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and bursting with ranch flavor. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and three cheeses, it’s baked to bubbly golden perfection. Ideal for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extra delicious.


Ingredients

    • 1 lb dry large elbow pasta

    • 10 slices bacon, diced

    • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

    • 1 oz packet of dried ranch dressing seasoning mix

    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced

    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

    • 2 cups heavy cream

    • 2 cups half and half

    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided)

    • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (divided)

    • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow pasta 1 minute less than al dente, according to package directions. Drain, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 3-quart baking dish and set it aside. Cook Bacon: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest. Season Chicken: Turn the heat to medium. Add shredded chicken and ranch seasoning to the pan. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Make Roux: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add flour and whisk constantly to create a thick paste. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in heavy cream and half and half. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan, and half of the Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. Combine: Add the cooked pasta, ranch chicken, and half the bacon into the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well combined. Assemble: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Mozzarella, Cheddar, and bacon. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Chicken Substitutions: Rotisserie chicken works great here! You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

  • Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or peas for a veggie-packed version.

 

  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American