Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ranch, bacon, and tender chicken, this Easy Crack Chicken Casserole is the kind of comfort food that instantly earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It is a perfect easy dinner, cozy family meal, and satisfying weeknight casserole made with pasta shells, melty cheese, and a rich creamy sauce. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, easy recipe inspiration, or hearty food ideas everyone will actually want to eat, this baked chicken casserole delivers big flavor with very little fuss.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta shells
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces
1 packet ranch seasoning, 1 ounce
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells in salted water until just al dente, then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, milk, black pepper, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese until smooth.
4. Add the cooked chicken, most of the crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and cooked pasta shells, then stir until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the bacon.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before baking, because it will continue to soften in the oven and can turn mushy if boiled too long.