Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Hi Everyone!

Happy Monday! Today I needed a little comfort food (don't we all?!?), and so I made my family's perennial favorite casserole. Is it in any way healthy? Well...there's broccoli in it, but it also contains pasta, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and bacon: So NO! It is not the least bit healthy, and has no truly redeeming qualities other than it makes me feel happy when I am down. I hope, dear reader, this recipe brings you some comfort on your down days too!

Cook Joyfully!!!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

8 oz. dried pasta of your choice (I used penne today)
1/2 Lb. bacon-1/4 inch diced
8oz. chicken 1/2 inch diced
4 cups broccoli florets
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups buttermilk ranch (I make my own, but the commercial stuff will do too)

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, minus 1 minute (If your pasta should cook for 11 minutes only cook it for ten). Meanwhile, over medium-low heat cook the bacon until all the fat is rendered out and the bacon is browned.

Remove the bacon, leaving the fat in the pan. Sautée the chicken in the bacon fat and set aside. When the pasta is cooked to one minute before the directions say, add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook one minute more.

Drain and chill the pasta and broccoli under cold running water.

Meanwhile, mix the ranch dressing and 2 cups of the cheese together until fully incorporated.

Add the bacon bits, chicken, and pasta-broccoli mix to the ranch mix and toss to combine.

Put the casserole mixture into a very well oiled 9x12 baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Cover with greased aluminum foil. Bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes. Serve and watch it disappear!