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, rigatoni 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 olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 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 (can substitute gluten-free flour); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 (1 oz.) packet dry ranch dressing seasoning mix (2 tablespoons) or use 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 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 something irresistibly comforting about the blend of melted cheese, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and that signature ranch flavor all baked together. The Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that fills your kitchen with a cozy, welcoming aroma and never fails to have everyone asking for seconds.

A white speckled bowl filled with a colorful pasta dish is shown from above, containing three main layers. The bottom layer is spiral pasta with a pale yellow color. The middle layer consists of small broccoli florets, red bell pepper pieces, and melted yellow cheddar cheese that coats parts of the pasta. The top layer is garnished with crispy brown bacon bits and chopped green onions scattered all over. A silver fork is resting on the side of the bowl, partially buried in the pasta. The bowl sits on 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

From the first time I made this casserole, it quickly became a staple in my house — and for good reason. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory with just the right crunch from bacon and fresh veggies. Plus, it’s great for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without fuss.

All-in-One Comfort: This casserole puts protein, veggies, and carbs together in one delicious, cheesy dish.
Easy to Customize: You can swap veggies or cheeses depending on what you have on hand or want to try.
Keeps Well for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and bake later, or enjoy tasty leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Family Favorite: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a potluck, this casserole always pleases a crowd.

A white casserole dish filled with a three-layer baked pasta dish. The bottom layer is spiral pasta mixed with bright green broccoli pieces and light chunks of chicken. The middle layer is melted golden cheddar cheese spread unevenly, covering the pasta and broccoli. The top layer has crispy, dark red bacon bits and chopped green onions scattered over the cheese, creating a colorful contrast. A golden spoon is scooping some of the baked pasta, showing the layers inside. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole is a harmony of flavors and textures—each ingredient playing its part. The creamy cheese sauce clings to the pasta and chicken, while broccoli adds a fresh bite, and bacon brings in that irresistible smoky crunch. Here’s why each item matters:

Flat lay of uncooked cavatappi pasta spirals, fresh bright green broccoli florets, thick slices of cooked and crumbled golden-brown bacon, a small white bowl of glossy olive oil, a pat of creamy unsalted butter, half a white onion diced finely, a chopped vibrant red bell pepper, several peeled garlic cloves minced, a small white bowl with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with creamy half and half, a small white bowl of golden low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl containing light beige dry ranch seasoning powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of dried basil leaves, a small white bowl of ground mustard powder, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of smooth sour cream, a neat pile of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a neat pile of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, whole clean brown eggs arranged neatly -- all ingredients placed with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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

Pasta: Choose cavatappi, ritoni, or penne—all hold sauce well and keep their shape in the oven.
Broccoli: Adds color and a slight crunch; blanching helps keep it tender but not mushy.
Bacon: Oven-baking bacon gives you crunchy, evenly cooked bits without grease splatters.
Butter & Olive Oil: Used for sautéing veggies—adds richness and a subtle flavor balance.
Onion & Bell Pepper: They bring sweetness and an aromatic depth to the cheesy sauce.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that pairs perfectly with ranch seasoning.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to that silky, clingy texture everyone loves.
Half and Half & Chicken Broth: Creaminess from half and half balanced with savory chicken broth for depth.
Ranch Seasoning: The secret superstar that transforms this dish with its familiar herby tang.
Sour Cream (optional): For extra creaminess and slight tang; Greek yogurt works well too.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella adds gooey stretchiness.
Rotisserie Chicken: Super convenient and flavorful; you can use freshly cooked chicken if preferred.

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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

This casserole is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. I love adding a little extra red pepper flakes for heat, but if you want to keep it kid-friendly, just skip that. Sometimes, I swap broccoli for asparagus or mushrooms if I have them on hand—it still works beautifully.

Vegetarian Variation: Leave out the bacon and chicken, swap in sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies, and use vegetable broth instead.
Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zoodles for a lighter twist.
Extra Creamy: Double the sour cream or add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for indulgence.
Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before baking to spice things up.

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

Step 1: Prep Pasta and Broccoli Just Right

Start by boiling broccoli for just 3 to 5 minutes until it’s tender but still has a little snap—overcooked broccoli gets mushy in the casserole. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Then, cook your pasta until just al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy later when baked. Pro tip: Salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor inside the noodles.

Step 2: Cook Bacon the Easy Way

Oven-baking bacon makes crisping up super simple and less messy. Lay the bacon on a foil-lined sheet with a little foil wrapped to catch grease, bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes depending on thickness, then crumble it once cooled. You'll get perfectly crispy bacon every time without the grease splatters on the stovetop.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Ranch Cheese Sauce

In a pan, melt butter and olive oil, then soften the onions and bell peppers until fragrant and tender. Add garlic and cook a few more minutes before whisking in flour to create a roux. Slowly add half and half and chicken broth, whisking constantly, then stir in your ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thick but still smooth. Add cheese and sour cream last to melt into a creamy, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Assemble

Mix the chicken, broccoli, half the bacon, and pasta gently into the sauce. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes, then scatter the rest of the bacon on top and bake for another 5–10 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden surface with crispy bacon bits that add a delightful texture. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier.

Top Tip

From my experience, the cheese sauce is the heart of this casserole, and getting it just right makes all the difference. Watch your heat carefully when simmering the sauce to avoid it getting too thick or grainy.

Gentle Simmer: Keep the heat moderate when whisking the sauce to ensure it thickens smoothly without clumping.
Thin If Needed: If the sauce feels too thick before mixing pasta, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it slightly.
Cheese Last: Always stir cheese in at low heat off direct high heat to prevent it from becoming stringy or oily.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Remember, pasta continues to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking saves you from mushy noodles.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and a fresh herb flavor that balances the richness. A few dashes of hot sauce on the side always go down well too if you or your guests like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some roasted garlic green beans for added veggies and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners or potlucks, I’ve made individual portions in small ramekins topped with crumbled bacon and a swirl of sour cream to make them look a little fancy and fun to serve. Also, broiling for a minute or two at the end crisps up the cheese topping beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole stores great in the fridge, just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to five days, making it perfect for leftover lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I often freeze the unbaked casserole when I’m making it in bigger batches. Wrap the dish securely with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, no need to thaw—just bake it covered at 350°F for an hour, uncover and bake a bit more until bubbling.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick fix, stirring halfway through, or for a more even warmth, bake covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly. A little sprinkling of extra cheese on top before reheating can revive the melty factor!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?

Yes! You can use milk combined with cornstarch to thicken it up similar to half and half. Use 3 cups milk mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch for best results to keep the sauce creamy.

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble everything in your casserole dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to prevent the dish from cracking in the oven and then bake as usual.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

You can easily make your own ranch seasoning using dried parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these together and use about 2 tablespoons to flavor the sauce. This DIY blend tastes fresh and customizable!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour. Also, double-check your ranch seasoning ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and has earned a treasured spot in my dinner rotation. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you want that cozy comforting feeling. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be making it again and again.