Description
Hearty chicken turkey bacon ranch casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its creamy, savory layers. Southern-style comfort meets delicious convenience, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) rotini pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and whisk in ranch dressing mix, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and crumble crispy bacon into delicate fragments.
- Combine pasta, chicken, bacon, and prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese blend, seasoning the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a generous, golden blanket of dairy goodness.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Check pasta doneness carefully to prevent overcooking, which can make the casserole mushy.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving protein option that adds extra flavor.
- Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content.
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg