A no-fail, family-favorite chicken casserole.

Three words that always guarantee a slam dunk at supper time?

Chicken, bacon, and ranch.

Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole

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It’s a lot of stirring and pouring (not a lot of chopping or fussing!

), which is right up our alley on any busy weeknight.

One of our Test Kitchen Professionals put it best: “This is comfort food at its finest.”

making cream sauce

Credit:Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman-Prop Stylist; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

You’ll make this Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe over and over again.

Cook penne according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

Place pasta in a large bowl, and set aside.

pasta in cream sauce

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Heat a large skillet over medium.

Add bacon, and cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

chicken-bacon ranch casserole unbaked

Credit:Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman-Prop Stylist; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Reserve drippings in skillet.

Fold in chicken and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Top with bacon and remaining 1 cup cheese.

Bake in preheated oven until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.