Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole—a delightful twist on classic baked mac and cheese. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, turkey bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its rich, cheesy goodness and satisfying texture, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple at your table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 oz package dried ranch dressing seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb dry large elbow pasta
Instructions
- Boil the pasta until just shy of al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cook turkey bacon in a large skillet until crispy; set aside and reserve a tablespoon of fat.
- Sauté shredded chicken with ranch seasoning in the reserved fat for 2-3 minutes; remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour to form a paste, then gradually add heavy cream and half-and-half while whisking until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and half of the mozzarella and cheddar until melted. Combine with pasta, chicken mixture, and half of turkey bacon.
- Transfer to the baking dish, top with remaining cheeses and turkey bacon, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg