This chicken bacon ranch casserole is the kind of dinner you make when you want something quick and easy that is cozy, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and just the right amount of ranch flavor.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for a Sunday dinner, and flexible enough to make ahead which is exactly what we want from a good casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is a hearty dinner recipe everyone will love! Here is everything you’ll need:

• Butter: Forms the base of the sauce and adds richness while helping create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Garlic: Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor that enhances the cream sauce without overpowering it.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce, creating a creamy, cohesive base that coats the pasta and chicken evenly.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and body, giving the casserole its signature creamy, comforting texture.
• Chipotle Lime Ranch: Adds tangy ranch flavor with a subtle smoky kick, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance all the flavors, ensuring the dish doesn’t taste flat.
• Chicken: Adds hearty protein and makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
• Small Shells Pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce thanks to its shape, delivering flavor in every bite.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, bold flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Bacon: Brings smoky, salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy casserole.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and a light herbal finish to balance the richness.

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Tender crisp broccoli florets and savory chicken are perfect together in this creamy, cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta. I love the textures and flavors in this super fast meal. Forget takeout, this is the kind of easy dinner I go to for my busiest weeknights.

Weeknight dinners are hard, ok? Even now that my boys are older and can help with the driving, all of the activities on our calendar can still make getting dinner on the table a bit overwhelming some nights. Dinners like this easy pasta solve the problem.

And, it’s a solution I have dialed in over the years, like with this Southwest chicken skillet, because they just work.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

I have a fair number of recipes that use pre-cooked chicken. I love the way that I can make a big batch in the slow cooker to save me time in front of the stove. However, a store-bought rotisserie chicken will work just as well.

And, broccoli has been appearing at my table on repeat, pretty much ever since I learned how to properly cook it. Tender crisp, people! And since broccoli is also my middle son’s favorite vegetable, it is included in our recipes frequently.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Pasta – I use half a pound of bu

Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, savory comfort food heaven—Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff. The slow-cooked beef absorbs every ounce of flavor, making each bite a deep, comforting indulgence.

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef slowly simmers in a rich, velvety sauce made with a delicate blend of seasonings, all brought together with tangy sour cream and cream cheese. Perfectly paired with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish offers the ultimate cozy meal that practically cooks itself.

I find it so interesting that so many countries have a stroganoff recipe. It originated in Russia, but in case you missed it, there are versions I’ve had in America, Italy and Cade says it’s a huge deal in Brazil, though their version is much more tomato based with cream. I want to try that way now.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is loaded with flavor and each ingredient adds a layer of flavor needed to make the best stroganoff. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

• Beef Stew Meat: look for a package labeled as stew meat or grab some chopped sirloin
• Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: the best part of a stroganoff in my opinion
• Beef Broth: becomes the base of the creamy sauce
• Dijon Mustard: adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef
• Worcestershire Sauce: adds rich umami flavor
• EZ Gel by Cornaby’s: used to thicken the sauce, cornstarch can also be used
• Cream Cheese: adds richness and creaminess to the sauce
• Sour Cream: adds creaminess and a little tang to the sauce
• Egg Noodles: any type of pasta can be used or mashed potatoes
• Fresh Thyme and Parsley: adds a pop of freshness

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This crock pot beef stroganoff recipe is one of the easiest stroganoff recipes you’ll ever make and the meat turns out tender and juicy every time. Serve with fresh or store bought egg noodles for the ultimate family dinner. Here are steps for making this simple crockpot recipe:

1. Prep: Lightly grease a slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Season the Meat: Add stew meat to the crock pot and sprinkle with all the seasonings and then toss to combine.
3. Cook: Add the mushrooms, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Thirty minutes before serving, remove 1/2 cup of the broth and whisk in the EZ Gel or cornstarch. Slowly pour the mixture into the slow cook

You’ve roasted the turkey, enjoyed the feast, and now you’ve got leftovers — the best part, right? This creamy turkey tetrazzini recipe is the ultimate way to turn that extra turkey into a cozy, family-favorite dinner.

This dish is everything you love about comfort food — tender noodles coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, bits of juicy turkey in every bite, and a perfectly golden topping. It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and honestly tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken, this easy turkey tetrazzini comes together in just a few simple steps. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — just real, creamy, delicious food that makes everyone at the table happy.

As I was finishing off the recipe I felt like it needed a little crunch on top, much like a perfect macaroni and cheese with a breading. I remembered that we had these Honey Dijon chips in our storage room so on a whim I ran down, grabbed the bag and crushed them up.

Dear sweet mercy, it was perfection!!

This post is sponsored by Kettle Brand.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

• Creamy, rich sauce without being heavy
• The perfect use for leftover Thanksgiving turkey
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Simple ingredients, easy prep

What is Turkey Tetrazzini?

Tetrazzini is an American main dish with diced poultry (yes you could use chicken as well) and mushroom in a butter/cream and parmesan sauce. It is served hot over linguine, spaghetti, or some similarly thin pasta, garnished with parsley.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this best turkey tetrazzini recipe has a job to do! Here’s a quick look at what each one adds…

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish that holds the creamy sauce and gives that classic, comforting texture.
• Turkey: Adds hearty protein and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing to build flavor and prevent sticking.
• Button Mushrooms: Add earthy, savory depth and balance the richness of the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuse the sauce with delicious, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce when combined with butter to make a roux.
• Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Adds flavor and subtle heat.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and makes the sauce extra velvety.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture an

The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

This lasagna soup recipe has everything you love about classic lasagna with savory meat, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese all in one cozy bowl.

A few years ago my husband and I had the chance to go to New York and film two episodes of Paula’s Party. It was such a fun experience. We even got to meet Carson Kressley, Cheri Oteri, Jason Priestly and a bunch of others. One of the dishes Paula made was Tastes Like Lasagna Soup and it smelled amazing. We were so disappointed we didn’t get to taste it, so when we got home we created our own version. It quickly became a favorite.

There’s just something about lasagna soup that feels like home. It’s saucy, cheesy, cozy, and truly the best kind of comfort food.

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

This soup recipe is a cross between a creamy soup and broth soup due to the addition of a little ricotta. It’s hearty, beefy, and delicious. In other words, perfection. Here is what you will need:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies
• Minced Vegetables: Diced onion (red), garlic, and bell peppers
• Fresh Herbs: Oregano, parsley, and basil
• Ground Beef: 80/20 for rich flavor
• Beef Broth: Forms the soup base
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Smoky flavor with a hint of heat
• Marinara Sauce: Rao’s recommended (stock up at Costco sales!)
• Parmesan Rind: Simmer for flavor, remove before serving
• Lasagna Noodles: Use broken pieces or break up fresh ones
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and gooey topping
• Garlic Bread: Optional but perfect for dipping

Scroll to the end of the post to the recipe card to see all the measurements and details.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

This recipe comes together so quickly, and the steps are super easy. Here are the basic steps:

1. Sauté: Cook the vegetables until tender, then stir in the herbs and seasonings.
2. Brown: Add the beef, cook until browned, and drain any excess grease.
3. Simmer:Stir in all remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to all day for deeper flavor.
4. Add: D