Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
Introducing the Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic dish that combines creamy cheese goodness with tender chicken and a burst of ranch flavor. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any night when you crave a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. With a blend of cheeses and delicious turkey bacon, every bite is rich and satisfying, making it a guaranteed hit among kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite vegetables or substitute ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Get ready to indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 oz packet dried ranch dressing seasoning
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb dry large elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a deep skillet, cook turkey bacon until crisp; set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook shredded chicken with ranch seasoning until heated through; remove.
- Make the cheese sauce by cooking garlic in butter, adding flour, then gradually whisking in heavy cream and half-and-half until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and half of the Mozzarella and cheddar until melted. Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the turkey bacon.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheeses and bacon, then bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg