Chicken Bacon Casserole Recipe

This creamy, cheesy Chicken Bacon Casserole is made with tender pasta, crispy bacon, and ready in 40 minutes. Pulling the hot dish from the oven reveals a bubbling layer of melted cheddar scattered with savory bacon bits. I always turn to this comforting bake when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on a busy weeknight.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle with baked pasta dishes turning out dry and completely unappetizing. The secret I learned is creating a richer sauce using cream cheese rather than just relying on standard milk or stock.

Now, I always make sure to slightly undercook the pasta before it goes into the oven. It absorbs the creamy ranch sauce perfectly while baking without turning to mush.

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Chicken Bacon Casserole Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder

How To Make Chicken Bacon Casserole

1. Prep the oven and pasta: Preheat your oven to 375F. Boil the penne pasta in salted water for two minutes less than the package directs, then drain.
2. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, milk, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Combine the ingredients: Fold the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, half the crumbled bacon, and half the cheddar cheese into the cream cheese sauce.
4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and bacon bits.
5. Bake and serve: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Soften the cream cheese: Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your sauce, so leave it at room temperature for an hour.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into a smooth, stretchy layer.
• Undercook the pasta: Boiling the pasta slightly less than al dente ensures it holds its shape while soaking up the creamy sauce in the oven.

What To Serve With Chicken Bacon Casserole

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the rich, heavy cream sauce beautifully. Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also make excellent sides to add some color and vegetables to your plate. Garlic bread is a great addition if you want to soak up every last drop of the cheese sauce.

How To Store

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

What other pasta shapes work best?

Any short pasta like macaroni, fusilli, or ziti will hold the thick sauce just as well as penne.

Why did my sauce separate?

Using low-fat milk or light cream cheese can cause the sauce to split under high heat, so full-fat dairy is recommended.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken Taco Bake Casserole Recipe
• Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken Bake Recipe
• Spinach Dip Chicken Bake Recipe