Ranch Pizza Casserole

Allow me to introduce to an amazing casserole recipe! This creamy Italian Chicken Casserole is reminiscent of a pizza, pasta, and all things Italian dish. Pasta and a white pizza team up here for a delicious, creamy blend of savory goodness. My entire family loves this dish! I am also proud to say that anyone Italian I know also gives it two thumbs up.

I have always been a fan of casseroles. I grew up on casserole this and casserole that and loved every bite. I have honored that upbringing with having casseroles often in my family as well! In doing so, I am often coming up with new, fun, and delicious casserole meals. I have learned that casseroles are not a part of everyone’s history though. In fact, a lot of modern-day kitchens, restaurants, and homes even consider casseroles as an old-school thing. I try not to reflect on that too much, so I don’t have to remember my age!

 However, I do wish they were as popular everywhere and with everyone. After all, casseroles have evolved since the dark ages and are also more versatile. Casseroles these days are perfect for a busy, crazy world when we don’t want to spend the day in the kitchen, but we still just want to feed our family something great. As a part of my personal mission to give casseroles their own well-deserved limelight, I often share this recipe as a part of my campaign. So far, it has a perfect track record with changing hearts and opening eyes.

What is Ranch Pizza Casserole?

Have you ever had a white pizza with bacon, ranch, and chicken? If so, you have experience many of this casserole’s flavors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite pizzas. In this pizza, ranch is sometimes used instead of something tomato based. Sounds wild, but it is so good! In this casserole you will find those amazing ingredients—and it’s so easy to make. I sometimes use rotisserie as for an even easier, quicker throw together.

Some variations on this pizza to make it accommodate your tastebuds and lifestyle are onions, peppers, or even pepperoni. You can also change the chicken out for beef if you prefer. The alfredo sauce can even be changed out if you want to make your own sauce. As far as sides, I enjoy this casserole with a crispy salad or next to some roasted veggies. The best thing is that you can make this casserole all your own. Enjoy the flavors as they are or experiment. Most of all, enjoy the bond that a meal creates and the memories that come with a yummy casserole dish.

What do you need to make Ranch Pizza Casserole

1 lb. bacon

2 lb. boneless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix

1 bell pepper diced

2 clove garlic minced

1 lb. bow tie pasta cooked al dente

2 jars of Alfredo sauce

1/3 cup of evaporated milk or regular milk

3 roma tomatoes, diced

4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

How to make Ranch Pizza Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Prepare your pasta according to its package and drain.

Fry your bacon, chop, and preserve the bacon grease.

a)

b)

c)

SECOND STEP:

Slice the chicken into small pieces and cover in the seasoning from the ranch.

Fry in 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease with garlic and bell peppers.

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

After the chicken is done, drain pan and leave the peppers and chicken in the pan.

Add a jar of the sauce to the pan along with the milk and a teaspoon of ranch mix.

FOURTH STEP:

Add half a jar of the sauce to the bottom of a large casserole dish.

Layer pasta, then sauce, then tomatoes three times.

a)

b)

c)

d)

FIFTH STEP:

Sprinkle each layer with a little bacon and cheese as well.

Cover the dish with sauce, cheese, and then bacon.

SIXTH STEP:

Allow the dish to bake for 30 minutes in a 350F preheated oven.

Cool before slicing and enjoying.

Enjoy!

YUM!