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 ½ teaspoon onion powder); 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional); 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups half and half (or substitute milk whisked with 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch); 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creamy); 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 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 black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons dried dill; 2 teaspoons dried chives; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s something incredibly comforting about the blend of melty cheese, smoky bacon, and that tangy ranch flavor all cozying up with tender chicken and pasta. This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe is that kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together.

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

This casserole checks all the boxes for me: it’s cheesy, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect balance of creamy and crispy. I love how every bite brings together tender chicken, smoky bacon, and that hint of ranch spice that makes it so unique.

One-pot comfort: Combines pasta, chicken, bacon, and cheese all in a creamy sauce for effortless, hearty meals.
Customizable flavors: You can tweak the heat, cheese types, or even swap veggies to keep it fresh every time.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and bake it when you're ready—perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-pleaser: From family dinners to potlucks, it delivers flavor and satisfaction that’s hard to beat.

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 Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe plays its part perfectly, blending textures and flavors that just sing together. Here’s a quick look at why these staples work so well—and some little tips to make shopping and prepping easier.

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 Pasta: Their twisty or tubular shapes hold onto that luscious sauce wonderfully, so don’t skip this step!
Broccoli: Adds fresh color and a slight crunch; just blanch it so it stays bright and tender.
Bacon: The smoky crunch gives this dish a flavor boost and textural contrast—oven-baking it keeps cleanup simple.
Olive Oil & Butter: The perfect duo for sautéing veggies and creating a rich roux for the sauce.
Onion & Red Bell Pepper: These give depth and subtle sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic—minced fresh for that punch of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully; gluten-free alternatives work great too.
Half and Half: Creates a creamy base without getting too heavy; you can even mix milk and cream if that’s what you’ve got.
Chicken Broth: Adds savoriness and helps thin the sauce and bring ingredients together.
Ranch Dressing Seasoning: The magic touch—adds those herbaceous notes and that distinctive ranch flavor.
Salt, Basil, Mustard, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough seasoning to brighten and balance the dish.
Sour Cream: Optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess and a slight tang.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar packs flavor, while mozzarella covers everything in gooey, melty goodness.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient, tender, and perfect for soaking up all those creamy flavors.

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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

I love customizing this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s mood is. Feel free to swap out veggies, adjust the cheese blend, or even scale back the bacon if you want a lighter touch.

Variation: Once, I swapped broccoli for roasted asparagus and tossed in diced sun-dried tomatoes. It gave a vibrant twist that everyone raved about!
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream for coconut yogurt; it’s surprisingly tasty if you’re avoiding dairy.
Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to give it a bit more heat. My husband loves this fiery version!

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients

Pop your oven on at 350°F and give your baking dish a light spray with nonstick spray to keep everything from sticking later. Then get your broccoli chopped into bite-sized pieces and your bacon cooked (oven-baked bacon is my go-to for less mess and perfectly crisp results).

Step 2: Cook Broccoli and Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broccoli for just 3 to 5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and rinse with cold water to stop cooking—this keeps it crisp and colorful. Now, toss in your pasta and cook until al dente. Don't overdo it here; the pasta will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Build the Ranch Cheese Sauce

Melt butter and olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté diced onion for about 4 minutes to soften, then add in chopped red bell pepper and garlic, cooking another couple of minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux—that’s what thickens your sauce. Gradually whisk in half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings, then simmer the mixture, whisking often, until it thickens nicely but stays pourable.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Creaminess

Turn the heat to low and whisk in 1 cup of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted, then gently fold in sour cream if you want it extra creamy. This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish—rich, tangy, and comforting.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, Bacon, and Pasta

Stir in shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and half of your crispy bacon pieces. Then fold in the cooked pasta so everything is evenly coated with that luscious ranch-cheese sauce. At this point, you can either enjoy it straight from the stovetop or get ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection

Pour your cheesy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then add the last of the bacon on top and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden on the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it sets up nicely before serving.

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe, a few little tweaks really make a difference in texture and flavor. Here are some of my best tips to help you nail it on your first try (or whenever!).

Cook Bacon in the Oven: Baking your bacon on a foil-lined sheet cuts down on cleanup and yields extra-crispy bacon that holds its crunch even after baking with the casserole.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure your noodles are al dente when you drain them, as they soak up sauce and continue cooking in the oven—mushy pasta is a no-go.
Keep Your Sauce Pourable: If your sauce thickens too much while simmering, just whisk in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up; it ensures the casserole stays creamy even after baking.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken bacon ranch - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top—it brightens the rich casserole visually and flavor-wise. A dash of extra shredded cheddar or even crumbled crispy bacon on top before serving is always a hit in my kitchen.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. Steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad also work well as refreshing sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with bacon and a little herb garnish—makes it feel extra special and helps with portion control. You can also tuck it into hollowed-out bell peppers or even stuff it into puff pastry for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover whatever remains in an airtight container or cling wrap, then store it in the fridge. It lasts well for up to 5 days—perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners after a busy day.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this casserole unbaked. I wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, I bake it straight from the freezer, just adding extra time to reach that bubbly, melty goodness.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer the oven to keep the texture perfect—350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works with stirring every so often to heat it evenly without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken other than rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can use freshly cooked, shredded chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s well shredded and cooked before mixing into the casserole.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternatives and replace the half and half with coconut milk or another plant-based milk. Use a dairy-free sour cream or plain coconut yogurt to maintain that creamy texture.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then tightly cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

What can I substitute for the ranch seasoning mix?

You can use a homemade blend using dried parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This DIY ranch seasoning tastes fresh and lets you control the salt and spice level exactly to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites—not just because it's delicious but because it brings everyone to the table with smiles. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing it as I do. So cozy up, get that oven warming, and give this one a try—you won’t regret it!