Are you ready for a mouthwatering adventure in the kitchen? Try our simple and delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe! Packed with flavor and easy to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preparation:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cooking the Pasta:
    Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Assembling the Casserole:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Cheesy Layers:
    Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and bacon.
  5. Ranch Mixture:
    In another bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this ranch mixture over the chicken, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish.
  6. Final Touch:
    Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Baking Time:
    Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown.
  8. Let It Rest:
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve:
    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and savor the deliciousness of your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole!

Conclusion:
In just 40-45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat your loved ones to something special. Enjoy your culinary journey and the tasty results!

Bonus Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect comfort food recipe that will satisfy your craving? Look no further! This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is a classic favorite that will surely hit the spot. With its rich and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder this dish is adored by both young and old alike.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
  • ½ cup of salted butter
  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of milk, at room temperature (2% or whole milk will work well)
  • 2 cups of half-and-half, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese, at room temperature
  • 3 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. While the pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, bringing it to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly. Remove from heat.
  5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Velveeta cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups) to the pot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Then, stir in the salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot and stir to coat it evenly.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
  9. For a crispier and browner top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Now it’s time to indulge in the creamy goodness of this baked mac and cheese! The combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese creates a velvety smooth texture that will melt in your mouth. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish and enjoy the simple pleasure of comfort food at its best!