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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole - Cozy Comfort With Big Flavor

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

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (plus 1–2 slices extra for topping, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2–3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), divided
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched (optional but adds color and crunch)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside. You want it slightly firm so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
  2. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Crumble when cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if you like extra flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add olive oil or reserved bacon fat. Cook onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Build the sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  5. Season and enrich: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt and the ranch seasoning. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Combine the casserole: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, half the bacon, broccoli (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Assemble and top: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese and the rest of the bacon on top.
  8. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden at the edges.
  9. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve warm.