Go Back
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac And Cheese Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac And Cheese Casserole - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Ah, the chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese casserole. It’s warm, cozy, and a whole lot of comfort in one dish! Growing up, my family had a rule—if it involved cheese, it was a winner. And boy, did we win with this recipe! 
Think of all your favorite flavors rolled into one: crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy cheese hugging perfectly cooked pasta. 
The beauty of this dish comes not just from its flavors but from its convenient one-dish nature. You can whip it up, pop it in the oven, and the whole house fills with an irresistible aroma.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 877
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dry large elbow macaroni
  • 10 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 oz packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 2 cups of half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions, making sure it remains al dente. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. This usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
  1. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, and when it’s melted, toss in the garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
  1. Next, sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the garlic and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and half-and-half, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken—around 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
  1. Once thickened, stir in the Parmesan, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and ¾ cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and delicious.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, thyme, and smoked paprika. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: Top and Bake
  1. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This ensures it won't become mushy when baked. It should have a little bite to it!
  • Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. It makes a significant difference in texture and flavor.
  • Don't Skip the Seasoning: The ranch seasoning is key. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • Mix in Veggies: Consider adding spinach, peas, or broccoli for a burst of color and added nutrition.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This gives it time to set up and makes serving easier.