Name: Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatappi, ritoni or penne pasta; 3 cups broccoli, cut into bite size pieces; 1/2 onion, diced (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder); 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional); 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour); 3 cups half and half (or milk whisked with 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing seasoning mix (2 tablespoons) or DIY ranch seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, can substitute full-fat plain Greek yogurt); 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons dried dill; 2 teaspoons dried chives; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s this cozy comfort food magic happening with my Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe—it combines melty cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in creamy ranch flavor. It's one of those dishes that just feels like a warm, satisfying hug at the dinner table.

A white speckled bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is spiral pasta in a light cream color, mixed with small pieces of bright green broccoli and bits of red bell pepper. The middle layer is melted yellow cheese scattered unevenly over the pasta, creating a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The top layer consists of small dark brown crispy bacon pieces and bright green chopped scallions sprinkled all over. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, angled towards the back, against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this casserole quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s ridiculously delicious yet surprisingly simple to pull together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough to serve guests.

Ultimate comfort food: Rich, cheesy sauce paired with ranch and bacon makes every bite irresistibly satisfying.
Flavor-packed but easy: The seasoning blends seamlessly into a creamy sauce, no complicated steps needed.
Flexible and customizable: Love veggies? Add bell peppers or broccoli. Need it gluten-free? Swap the flour.
Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake when ready for a warm, homey dinner.

The dish is a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake made with spiral-shaped pasta. The top layer is melted golden-orange cheese with bits of crispy brown bacon scattered across. Bright green chopped spring onions are sprinkled over the top, adding pops of color. Underneath the cheese, visible pieces of green broccoli peek through the pasta. A golden spoon is scooping out some pasta, showing the creamy mixture with white chicken pieces mixed with pasta and vegetables. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this casserole has a purpose, working together to create a creamy, flavorful dish that's far from boring. Here's why I choose each piece and how you can feel confident picking yours out.

Flat lay of uncooked cavatappi pasta in a small white ceramic bowl, fresh bite-sized broccoli florets arranged in a white ceramic bowl, crispy cooked bacon pieces scattered on a simple white ceramic plate, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a halved red bell pepper with bright seeds visible, diced white onion in a white ceramic bowl, several peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of creamy half and half, a small white bowl with low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cavatappi, Ritoni, or Penne: These pasta shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you a satisfying texture every bite.
Broccoli: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Bacon: Crisp and smoky, bacon brings a salty punch that elevates the whole meal—bake it in the oven for even crispier results.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combo that gives a rich base for sautéing veggies and adding flavor depth.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the savory backbone of the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: The secret to thickening the sauce into that luscious, creamy consistency.
Half and Half & Chicken Broth: Blend creaminess with lightness and a hint of savory flavor to avoid heaviness.
Ranch Dressing Mix or DIY Seasoning: Instantly infuses that familiar, herby ranch flavor—DIY version keeps it super fresh!
Sour Cream: (Optional, but I never skip it!) Adds tang and extra creaminess.
Sharp Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: A melty, flavorful cheese duo that gives the casserole its gooey, cheesy goodness.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Tender and juicy, keeps things simple while adding protein.
Red Bell Pepper (Optional): For a touch of sweetness and color that brightens the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts? You can easily tweak this dish to suit your taste or dietary needs. Personally, I like to throw in extra veggies or swap cheddar for pepper jack to spice things up. Feel free to experiment!

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon, double down on broccoli and bell pepper, and add mushrooms for a hearty, veggie-packed casserole.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat—I love the contrast against the creamy cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set without missing that comforting texture.
Make It Extra Creamy: Swap half and half for heavy cream or add more sour cream or Greek yogurt for ultra richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Pasta and Broccoli

Start by boiling your broccoli in salted water for just a few minutes until it’s tender-crisp. Then scoop it out and rinse with cold water to stop cooking—this keeps it bright and not mushy after baking. Next, cook your pasta al dente in the same pot—trust me, you don’t want overcooked noodles or they’ll get mushy in the casserole.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Create the Sauce

Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pan, then sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic till soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in half and half, chicken broth, and seasoning to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk often until the sauce thickens nicely—around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Chicken

Lower the heat; stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella one cup at a time until melted and smooth. Whisk in sour cream for extra creaminess, then fold in the chicken, broccoli, and half the bacon. Finally, fold in your cooked pasta so everything’s evenly coated. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning—it makes all the difference.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar and bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then add the rest of the bacon on top and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this step helps it set up beautifully.

Top Tip

From my experience making this casserole over and over, the sauce is key. Getting it just right means paying attention while whisking and not rushing that thickening stage. Here are some things that helped me nail it every time:

Patience on Sauce Thickening: Low and slow wins the race. When you simmer the sauce slowly, it thickens evenly without lumps. Don’t rush it or crank the heat too high, or it can become too thick or grainy.
Whisk Constantly: I keep a whisk in hand to prevent flour clumps and smooth it out right away.
Adjust Thickness With Liquids: If the sauce feels too thick before assembling, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it—it’ll thicken more in the oven and fridge, so keep it just slightly thinner than perfect.
Crispy Bacon Tip: Baking bacon on foil-lined sheet trays keeps it perfectly crisp without splatter and makes cleanup easier—plus, folding the foil edges keeps the grease right where you want it.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through all that creamy richness. Sometimes a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes add a nice contrast for those who like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is a hearty meal on its own, I usually serve it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad add freshness without competing with the deep ranch flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra bacon and herbs for a pretty presentation. It’s also fun to sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy twist that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge works great for up to 5 days. The casserole tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just be sure to keep the sauce consistency in mind so it doesn’t get too thick.

Freezing

Freezing unbaked casserole is a game-changer. Wrap it tightly with plastic and foil, then bake straight from frozen when you want. It takes a bit longer, about an hour plus extra time uncovered, but you get all that cheesy goodness anytime!

Reheating

Microwaving is quick and convenient—heat in 20-second bursts to avoid drying out. For the best texture, I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, which keeps the sauce velvety and cheese melty without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in the Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While I use cheddar and mozzarella for their meltability and flavor, feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy twist, or gouda for a smoky note. Just pick cheeses that melt well for the best results.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Great question! The key is to simmer the sauce on low heat and keep whisking. If it ever gets too thick before mixing with the pasta, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. Remember, it will thicken further once baked and refrigerated.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You absolutely can! I often assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake it as directed—just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes first for even baking.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

I prefer baking bacon in the oven for this casserole. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place the bacon in a single layer, and fold up the foil edges to trap grease. Bake at 400°F for about 20-30 minutes depending on thickness until crispy. This method keeps the bacon extra crispy and mess-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe has become one of those reliable crowd-pleasers I trust to satisfy family and friends any day of the week. It brings together layers of flavor, texture, and creamy indulgence like few dishes can. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s a little slice of comfort that’s well worth the effort, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!