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Creamy Cheddar Ranch Casserole with Bacon

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A comforting casserole with layers of gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 8–10 slices bacon, crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced thinly (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
  6. Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon to the mixing bowl. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.

Notes

[‘Cook pasta al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.’, ‘Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.’, ‘Sprinkle extra ranch seasoning on top before baking for amplified flavor.’, ‘For crispy bacon, cook it in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet.’, ‘Assemble the casserole the night before and bake the next day for convenience.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, cheddar, ranch, bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, potluck, creamy, cheesy

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-cheddar-ranch-casserole-with-bacon-recipe/