Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 envelope Ranch Dressing Mix

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

¾ cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

1 jar Alfredo Sauce

8 ounces pasta, your choice (shell macaroni or elbow macaroni)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make sure to grease a 9×9 casserole dish to prevent the food from sticking.

Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and then set it aside on some paper towels.

In a bag mix together the ranch dressing mix and olive oil. Add the chicken to the bag. Shake it well so that the chicken gets coated evenly.

Using the skillet you used for cooking bacon cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, in color.

Boil some pasta and drain it well. Transfer it into the greased casserole dish.

Combine the chicken with alfredo sauce. Gently stir them together with the pasta.

Sprinkle an amount of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of everything.

Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven, for 15 minutes. Until you see bubbling and a golden crust forming on top.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help all of its flavors come together nicely.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole while it’s still warm!

Notes:

Chicken Preparation: Ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.

Bacon Crispiness: Cook the bacon until it’s very crispy to add a satisfying crunch to the casserole. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Ranch Mix Coating: Mix the ranch dressing mix with olive oil before adding it to the chicken. This helps the seasoning coat the chicken evenly.

Cooking Chicken: Use the same skillet used for bacon to cook the chicken. This adds extra flavor from the bacon drippings.

Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but make sure it’s cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

Cheese Variation: Feel free to adjust the amount or types of cheese based on personal preference. Other cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda can be used for different flavor profiles.

Alfredo Sauce: Using store-bought Alfredo sauce saves time, but homemade sauce can be used for a richer flavor.

Greasing the Dish: Properly grease the casserole dish to prevent sticking. Non-stick spray or a light coating of oil works well.

Baking Time: Bake until the top is golden and bubbly. The exact time might vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 serving (assuming recipe serves 4)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time.

However, cooking bacon fresh for this recipe adds a nice texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! You can choose your favorite pasta type.

Shell macaroni or elbow macaroni work well, but feel free to experiment with different shapes.

How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?

Grease the casserole dish thoroughly before assembling the ingredients.

This will help prevent sticking and make serving easier.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Is there a substitute for the Alfredo sauce?

If you prefer, you can use a homemade white sauce or a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese as a substitute for Alfredo sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

Cook them thoroughly to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute the Alfredo sauce with something else?

Yes, you can substitute Alfredo sauce with other creamy sauces like a white cheese sauce or even a homemade cream sauce.

You can also use a different type of store-bought sauce if you prefer.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?

If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can use a combination of dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Bake it just before serving.

You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use other cheeses such as Parmesan, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences.

How do I make the casserole spicier?

To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños into the mixture before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe low-carb?

To make it low-carb, you can substitute the pasta with a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon can be used. Just crumble it and add it to the casserole.

However, cooking fresh bacon will give you more flavor and crispy texture.