Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Yield: 8 Servings
You will not regret preparing this amazing dish! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is ready for serving in just about an hour. A must-try recipe indeed. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-ounce packages of dried ranch dressing seasoning
1 ½ c shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
½ c grated Parmesan
10 slices of bacon, diced
1 c shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 c heavy cream
1-pound dry large elbow pasta
salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 c shredded chicken
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 c half and half
Directions:
Refer to the directions provided on the package of the pasta on how to cook it minus one minute. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the cooked pasta, then toss until coated. Set aside.
Prepare the oven and preheat to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F.
Brush a 3-quart baking dish with butter.
Place a large deep skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-low.
Add bacon, then cook for a few minutes until crispy and brown. Transfer the crispy bacon onto a clean plate lined with paper towels.
In the same empty skillet, add the shredded chicken and ranch seasoning. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Transfer onto a clean plate.
Add butter and allow it to melt in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for a minute or until aromatic.
Add the flour, then whisk and cook for about a minute to remove the raw taste.
Add the half & half and heavy cream, then whisk until completely blended. Simmer until thick.
Add the Parmesan cheese and ½ of the cheddar cheese. Stir and cook until melted.
Place the cooked pasta into the skillet, then toss until well coated with the delicious sauce. Add the chicken and ½ of the bacon, then stir again until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add the rest of the bacon and cheeses on top of the dish.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown.
Serve and enjoy!