🍽️ Dump & Bake Ranch Chicken Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, no-prep chicken casserole loaded with ranch flavor.
Just dump, mix, bake — and dinner is DONE. Family-favorite guaranteed! 😍🔥

⭐ Recipe Overview

• 🍴 Servings: 6

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes

• 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes

• 🍲 Total Time: 30 minutes

• ⭐ Difficulty: Super Easy (Dump & Bake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, rigatoni work best)

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup milk or chicken broth

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

🔪 Tools You’ll Need:

🥣 Mixing Bowls

🔪 Kitchen Knife Set

🍳 Nonstick Skillet (for bacon)

🥄 Silicone Spatula Set

🧀 Cheese Grater

🥘 9×13 Baking Dish

🥄 Measuring Cups & Spoons

🥣 Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat Oven

🔥 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

🍝 Boil pasta until al dente (slightly firm).
Drain and set aside.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• cream of chicken soup

• sour cream

• milk or broth

• ranch seasoning

• garlic powder

• black pepper

It should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4 — Add Chicken, Bacon & Cheese

Stir in:

• cooked chicken

• half of the bacon

• 1½ cups cheddar cheese

Mix gently.

Step 5 — Add the Pasta

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture until everything is coated.

Step 6 — Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
Top with:

• remaining cheddar

• mozzarella

• remaining bacon

Always add bacon on top — it crisps perfectly 😍🔥

Step 7 — Bake

Bake 20–25 minutes, until:

• cheese is melted

• edges are bubbly

• top is golden

Step 8 — Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Your CRAZY GOOD casserole is ready! 🍽️🔥

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add broccoli for a “ranch chicken broccoli bake”

• Use pepper jack cheese for spice

• Use rotisserie chicken for fast prep

• Add cooked mushrooms or spinach

• Swap pasta for rice (pre-cooked)

❄️ Storage

• Refrigerate 3–4 days

• Freeze up to 2 months

• Reheat in oven 350°F for 15 minutes OR microwave

⭐ Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: ~34g

• Carbs: ~38g

• Fat: ~28g

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FAQs

How long to bake?

Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw it first to ensure even cooking and best texture.

What pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and add nice texture.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Peas or spinach mix in nicely without extra prep.

Is it freezer friendly?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have ranch mix?

You can substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.

This dump & bake ranch chicken casserole saved my weeknight dinner—so creamy and packed with flavor, my family asks for seconds every time!

Amy B.

★★★★★