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Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole

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A flavor-packed dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, enhanced with savory ranch flavors.

Ingredients

  • Bacon (10 slices, diced)
  • Shredded Chicken (3 cups)
  • Dried Ranch Dressing Seasoning (1 oz package)
  • Unsalted Butter (3 Tbsp)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • All Purpose Flour (3 Tbsp)
  • Heavy Cream (2 cups)
  • Half and Half (2 cups)
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, divided)
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Dry Large Elbow Pasta (1 lb)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Start by boiling the large elbow pasta in salted water. Cook it for just 1 minute shy of al dente, then drain and add olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 3 quart baking dish.
  3. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Cook Chicken: Increase heat and add shredded chicken and ranch seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Create the Cheese Sauce: In the skillet, add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Whisk in flour, then add heavy cream and half and half, cooking until thickened.
  6. Add Cheeses: Stir in Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and half of the cheddar until melted.
  7. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bacon: Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the bacon until coated.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle remaining cheeses and bacon on top.
  10. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, mac and cheese, comfort food, chicken, bacon, ranch

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-mac-and-cheese-casserole/