Chicken and Pasta Casserole with Bacon

A comforting casserole that combines flavors and textures in a single show-stopping creation – Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole. It is a dish where simplicity meets indulgence- perfectly cooked pasta, tasty bites of chicken, and the crunch of smoky bacon all combine with a creamy alfredo sauce. Every bite will leave you craving more. You can also prep ahead, making this a great way to get dinner on the table even faster.

This is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines chicken, bacon, pasta, cheese, and alfredo sauce, all baked together in a casserole dish. A complete meal in one dish, making it great for the whole family. A great option for those seeking a meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

Gather around the dinner table and treat your loved ones to a simple recipe that transforms hectic evenings into a joyful dinnertime experience. This recipe is a testament that happiness can be found in a simple meal. This dish will be enjoyed by all, making your meal time stress-free but, most of all, delicious.

Why This Recipe Is Fantastic

This casserole will definitely feed a crowd. It made a very full 13″ x 9″ casserole dish. There is some prep work with preparing this dish, but it is so worth it. Your family will thank you for making this!  Add a side salad and garlic bread, and your meal will be complete.

Full of Flavors: Creamy pasta, crispy bacon, ranch-flavored chicken, and lots of cheese equals the best-tasting foods in life!  The creamy Alfredo sauce pulls everything together when baked in the oven.

Versatility: This dish allows you to experiment with different pastas and cheeses and even add veggies to the dish.

Comfort Food: Casseroles offer the ultimate feeling of comfort and warmth. This is a cozy choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Why Should I Make This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s filled with crunchy bacon, creamy pasta, and flavorful chicken. It’s filling and will feed a hungry crowd. All of the ingredients work well together to make a delicious dish. My family loves pasta night. Fettuccine Alfredo and Italian Sausage and Pasta are two more of our favorites.

Ingredients Needed for Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole

These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish full of flavors and textures. This dish brings together familiar and flavorful ingredients in a comforting way. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste preferences. These items are easy to find in your local grocery store or pantry. See the printable recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and amounts.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used for this recipe. You are looking for tender chicken with each bite.

Pasta Noodles – Penne Pasta is my choice for this recipe but experiment with your favorite. You will cook your pasta al dente before adding to the mix.

Bacon – Crispy bacon adds a rich and smoky flavor.

Alfredo Sauce – Alfredo sauce provides a base for this pasta dish. You can certainly make your own with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. 

Oil –  Oil is used for coating the chicken with the ranch mix. 

Ranch – Ranch mix is used on the chicken for a zesty flavor.

Cheese – Cheese adds a gooey and melty texture. I used cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for this pasta dish.

How to Make this Recipe

1. Prep the ingredients- fry the bacon, cook the chicken, and boil the noodles.
2. Add ingredients to a large bowl, mix well, and pour into a baking dish.
3. Top with additional bacon and cheese.
4. Bake.

Other Pastas That Work Well 

This creamy chicken casserole allows you to experiment with different pasta shapes to make a casserole your whole family will love. This creamy pasta bake is a comfort food classic. It just might become your new family favorite.

Bowtie, Elbow Macaroni, Penne, Ziti, Cellentani, or Rotini pasta would work well for this dish. Experiment with your favorites.

Recipe Tips and Variations

These tips and variations are just a starting point. Get creative and make this pasta dish your own and to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Tips for Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken,  boil the pasta, and fry the bacon beforehand, saving you time for preparing dinner. Store everything in the refrigerator and then mix it fast for busy weeknights and getting dinner on the table fast.
• While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon and then cook the chicken.
• Feel free to make your own Alfredo sauce, but store-bought works just fine. Choose a good brand for a creamy cheese sauce.
• I like to shred my cheese but buy shredded cheese to speed up the prep work. 

Recipe Variations:

• Add some of your favorite vegetables to this dish. Broccoli or green bell pepper would be great!
• Season it with some of your favorite seasonings – garlic powder, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and onion powder work nicely together.
• Customize the cheese blend with some of your favorites and add some extra to the top of the casserole.
• Swap out the Penne pasta noodles with other short noodles.

How To Store Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Store all leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. To Reheat: To reheat leftover chicken pasta casserole, heat in the microwave until warm. If reheating in the oven, reheat at 350 degrees until warm. If the casserole seems a bit dry, use a little bit of chicken broth, heavy cream, or milk to add moisture back to the dish.

When to Serve This Dish

This dish is comforting, flavorful, and versatile to be served on various occasions. Make this dish shine and your go-to dish for family, friends, or loved ones. Serve this for:

Weeknight Dinners

Family Gatherings

Potlucks

Pasta Nights

Game Nights 

Weekends at Home

Recipe FAQs

Easy Side Dishes for Chicken Pasta

Corn on the Cob

Southern Fried Green Beans

Zucchini Fries

Crispy Fried Okra

More Chicken Casserole Recipes

If you are looking for another easy chicken casserole, check out a few of these recipes. They are tried and true and also family favorites.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole

Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole