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Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked mini penne
- 4 bacon slices
chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
about 3 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pkg. cream cheese
cubed and softened, 8-oz.
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
grated, about 1/2 cup
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing and seasoning mix
from 1 [1-oz.] pkg.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded
cooked chicken, from 1 rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
shredded divided, about 2 cups
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook penne according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. Place pasta in a large bowl, and set aside.
- 2
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add bacon, and cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve drippings in skillet.
- 3
Add garlic to hot drippings in skillet over medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in whipping cream and cream cheese; cook, whisking often, until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan, ranch dressing mix, pepper, and reserved 1 cup cooking water. Pour over pasta. Fold in chicken and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with bacon and remaining 1 cup cheese.
- 4
Bake in preheated oven until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that brings together everyone's favorite flavors? This Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole is a guaranteed slam dunk at dinner, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that truly hits the spot.
What makes this casserole special is its clever combination of familiar, crowd-pleasing elements. You get the irresistible smoky crunch of bacon, the savory goodness of chicken, and the tangy, herby zest of ranch, all bound together in a rich, creamy sauce with al dente pasta and plenty of melted cheese. It's a comforting classic made easy.
Expect a wonderfully rich and creamy dish, brimming with layers of savory flavor. The mini penne pasta provides a satisfying chew, perfectly complementing the moist, shredded chicken and the irresistible blanket of bubbling mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. Every bite offers that perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an instant family favorite that you'll want to make again and again.
This versatile casserole is easy to adapt to your pantry. Feel free to swap the mini penne for other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or cavatappi. If you don't have a rotisserie chicken on hand, any cooked, shredded chicken will work beautifully. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole is best served warm, perhaps with a simple green salad to balance its richness. It's the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table.