Hen Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

A creamy, tacky casserole full of tender hen, crispy bacon, and the daring flavors of ranch seasoning. This comforting dish is a assured hit for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Substances

8 ounces raw pasta (penne or your most well-liked sort)
6 strips bacon, lower into small items (use thick-cut for additional taste)
1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
2 cups cooked hen, shredded (rotisserie hen works effectively)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Put together the Substances

Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the rack within the high third of the oven.
Deliver a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook dinner the pasta 1 minute much less than the bundle directions to forestall overcooking. Drain the pasta as soon as finished.

Cook dinner the Bacon

Whereas the pasta cooks, lower the bacon into small items. Fry in a skillet over medium warmth till crispy. Switch the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to empty.

Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13 casserole dish, add the drained pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over it and sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly. Toss to coat.
Combine within the shredded hen and half of the cooked bacon. Toss once more to distribute all the pieces evenly. Easy the combination into a fair layer.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese excessive, adopted by the remaining bacon.

Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole, uncovered, for quarter-hour, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden-brown high, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching rigorously to keep away from burning.
Serve heat, garnished with recent parsley if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast to Put together: Good for busy nights with minimal prep.
Household-Pleasant: Successful with youngsters and adults alike.
Flavorful and Filling: Combines creamy Alfredo sauce with smoky bacon and ranch seasoning for a scrumptious meal.

Ideas

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Barely undercooking it prevents it from getting mushy throughout baking.
Save Bacon Drippings: For added taste, use a few of the bacon drippings to grease the casserole dish.
Even Coating: Toss the pasta and sauce completely to make sure each chunk is flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Choices: Swap penne with ziti, rotini, or shells.
Cheese Decisions: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix for a special taste profile.
Meat Options: Change hen with turkey or ham for selection.
Add Veggies: Embody steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added vitamin.

FAQs

Can I make this dish forward of time?
Sure! Assemble the casserole, cowl tightly, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours. Bake as directed, including a couple of additional minutes if chilly.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Completely. Assemble the dish (with out baking) and freeze for as much as 3 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than baking.

What can I take advantage of as a substitute of Alfredo sauce?
Home made Alfredo sauce or a creamy garlic sauce works as an incredible substitute.

Serving

Pair this casserole with a recent inexperienced salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes for an ideal aspect.

Strategies

For Meal Prep: Divide into parts for straightforward reheating all through the week.
Crowd-Pleasant: Double the recipe for gatherings, utilizing two casserole dishes.
Garnish: Sprinkle with recent herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.