Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbly casserole fresh out of the oven—especially when it’s packed with cheesy, creamy, bacon-filled goodness! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is everything you want in a cozy meal: rich flavors, melty cheese, and that irresistible combination of ranch and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a potluck where you want to impress your friends and family. Best of all? It’s super easy to throw together, making it an instant favorite in your dinner rotation.

Imagine taking a bite of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey cheese, all tied together with the tangy, herby magic of ranch seasoning. That’s exactly what you get with this dish—a flavor explosion in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, this casserole is a guaranteed winner!

🕒 Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sour cream
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings (Optional but Recommended!)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Extra crumbled bacon for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it just until al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures it won’t get mushy when baked. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This creamy sauce is what gives the casserole its signature flavor, so make sure everything is well combined!
Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. You want each bite to be filled with all that rich, ranchy goodness.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden-bubbly on top. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and extra crumbled bacon on top for the ultimate finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

🔥 Tips & Tricks

✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
✔ Crispier Bacon? Bake bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes for the crispiest, mess-free results.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat!
✔ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
✔ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

🌟 Variations

Keto-Friendly: Swap pasta for steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add mushrooms or roasted broccoli.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese for an ultra-rich, creamy texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of traditional pasta.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy to make – Perfect for weeknights!
✅ Family favorite – A hit with kids and adults alike.
✅ Cheesy & comforting – The ultimate cozy meal.
✅ Customizable – Adjust to your taste preferences!

📌 Pinterest Pro Tip

Save this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole to your recipe board so you can make it again and again! It’s the perfect meal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or potlucks. #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #CasseroleLove

Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 😍