Ingredients
1/2 lb Bacon, Cooked and Chopped
- Why bacon? Bacon adds an undeniable crunch and smoky flavor that balances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce. It also gives a little saltiness and depth of flavor. Feel free to use turkey bacon if you want a lighter version.
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Diced
- Chicken choice: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean source of protein. You can also use thighs for more juiciness, but breasts are a leaner option and work well in casseroles because they absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sauce. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
1 tbsp Olive Oil
- For sautéing chicken: The olive oil helps to evenly coat the chicken with the Ranch seasoning and prevent it from sticking to the pan. It also gives a little flavor and richness to the chicken.
1 Packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- Ranch flavor: This packet is your secret to the tangy, zesty flavor that’s essential to this casserole. The seasoning mix will coat the chicken and infuse the dish with that classic ranch taste. You can also make your own ranch seasoning blend with herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you prefer a homemade option.
8 oz Pasta (Shells)
- Pasta choice: Shells are perfect for holding onto the creamy Alfredo sauce and chunks of chicken, but you can use any short pasta you prefer—penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work great. Choose pasta that’s sturdy enough to hold up when baking and mixing with the sauce.
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
- Cheese blend: Mozzarella is the go-to for a gooey, melty texture. You could substitute it with provolone or gouda for a slightly different flavor.
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- Flavor contrast: Cheddar adds sharpness and a slight tang that contrasts nicely with the richness of the mozzarella. For a bolder flavor, opt for sharp cheddar.
Salt and Pepper, To Taste
- Seasoning: This is essential to enhance all the flavors of the dish. Taste your casserole before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder if you want more depth.
14.5 oz Alfredo Sauce
- Store-bought or homemade? This is the creamy base of your casserole. If you’re short on time, store-bought Alfredo works just fine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own. Homemade Alfredo usually requires heavy cream, butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese—just keep in mind that it will add a little more prep time to the dish.
Instructions: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
- Why 375°F? This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese and ensuring the casserole is bubbly and golden brown without drying out. Be sure to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking. You can use non-stick spray, butter, or olive oil for greasing.
2. Cook the Bacon
- Cooking tip: Heat your skillet to medium-high and cook the bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. This helps keep the bacon crisp even after it’s mixed into the casserole.
- Pro tip: Save the bacon drippings! You can use it to sauté the chicken for even more flavor, but if you want to reduce the fat, feel free to discard it.
3. Coat the Chicken with Ranch Seasoning
- Why Ziploc bags? Using a Ziploc bag to coat the chicken in olive oil and ranch seasoning ensures an even distribution of the seasoning. This method is mess-free and easy to clean up!
- Cooking chicken tip: After shaking the chicken in the bag, cook it in the same skillet used for the bacon. The remnants of the bacon grease will give the chicken a subtle smoky flavor. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces).
4. Boil the Pasta
- Cooking pasta tip: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook in the casserole. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
- Draining pasta: When draining your pasta, reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining it. If the casserole seems too thick after mixing in the sauce, you can use this reserved water to loosen it up.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Layering the casserole: In your greased 9×9 baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine everything well. The sauce should coat the pasta and chicken, making the dish creamy.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the shredded cheeses, followed by the crispy bacon on top. This ensures a bubbly, cheesy crust that’s golden and delicious.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Baking tip: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serving tip: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set. This prevents it from being too runny when you dish it out.
Customization Ideas
- Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some veggies to make this a more well-rounded meal. Consider adding sautéed spinach, peas, broccoli, or mushrooms to the casserole before baking. If you’re using spinach, be sure to squeeze out any excess water to avoid making the casserole soggy.
- Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, add jalapeños, or use a spicy ranch seasoning packet.
- Substitute the Alfredo Sauce: For a lighter version, you can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a lighter cream sauce or even use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk to reduce calories but keep the creaminess.
- Use Leftovers: This casserole is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or pasta. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
Storage and Reheating
- How to store: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs About Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo Pasta Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.