Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken and Pasta
Description
Two great tastes--ranch and Alfredo--come together in perfect harmony in this baked chicken and broccoli casserole, topped with cheese and crumbled bacon.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
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3 tablespoons water
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3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix, divided
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2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 (48 ounce) container chicken broth
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1 (16 ounce) package small shell pasta
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 3/4 cups milk
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1 (1 3/5 oz) package dry Alfredo sauce mix (such as Knorr®)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
Directions
1
Place broccoli and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high until steamed and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and drain excess liquid; set aside.
2
While broccoli is steaming, place 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and pepper, seal the bag, and massage to coat chicken with seasonings.
3
Pour chicken broth into a large pot and bring a boil over medium-high heat. Add shells and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until pasta is nearly done, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking broth.
4
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
5
Heat butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary, and cook until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
6
Add milk, Alfredo sauce mix, and remaining 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix to the hot skillet; bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, add chicken and any accumulated juices, pasta, broccoli, sour cream, reserved 1/2 cup pasta cooking broth, salt, and pepper. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bacon.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.