Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
Elevate your family dinners with this creamy Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. This dish combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a zesty ranch seasoning for a delightful twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more quality time with loved ones. In just about an hour, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, its customizable nature means you can adapt it based on your pantry staples or preferences. Dive into a plateful of cheesy goodness that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6–8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 oz package dried ranch dressing seasoning
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb dry large elbow pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until one minute shy of al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the diced turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from pan but reserve some fat for cooking.
- Add Chicken and Ranch: Increase heat to medium; add chicken and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir for 2–3 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet; sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour, then add heavy cream and half-and-half slowly while whisking until thickened.
- Combine Everything: Stir in Parmesan cheese along with half of both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted. Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, and half of turkey bacon.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared dish; top with remaining cheeses and turkey bacon. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg